- Pakistan bowled out for 55 as India cruise to seven-wicket victory in Dubai
DUBAI: Pakistan suffered its lowest-ever total in women’s Twenty20 international cricket on Saturday, collapsing to 55 all out against arch-rivals India in their Women’s Asia Cup Group A encounter in Dubai.
India comfortably chased down the modest target, reaching 57-3 in just 8.4 overs to secure a seven-wicket victory with 68 balls to spare and maintain their perfect start to the tournament with a third consecutive win.
The highly anticipated clash was also marked by the absence of the customary handshake between players from the two sides.
Pakistan Collapse After Promising Start
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and elected to bat, with the team initially making a steady start before suffering a dramatic collapse.
Openers Shawaal Zulfiqar and Muneeba Ali were the only Pakistan batters to reach double figures, scoring 14 and 13 respectively.
Pakistan slipped from 27-0 to 35-6, losing six wickets for just eight runs, before being dismissed for 55 in 18.1 overs.
India’s spin attack proved decisive, with Shree Charani taking 3-7, Prema Rawat claiming 3-9 and Deepti Sharma finishing with 2-5.
Pakistan Face Must-Win Battle
Pakistan’s previous lowest T20I total was 56 all out, recorded against New Zealand in 11.4 overs during the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup at the same venue.
Despite the heavy defeat, Pakistan remain in contention for a place in the next stage and have one group match remaining against Hong Kong.
The result, however, leaves Pakistan needing a strong performance in their final Group A fixture to keep their qualification hopes alive.
BY: The Times Union
