Indian Women's Team Defy Bug Plague to Sail to Frosty Win Over Pakistan in Women's World Cup

The seam bowler Kranti Goud and the spinner Deepti Sharma claimed three scalps apiece as India routed Pakistan by 88 runs in their Women’s World Cup encounter, which began like recent ones between the countries men’s teams with no handshake from the captains and later included a disputed run-out of a Pakistan opener.

India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, declined to shake hands with Sana during the coin toss and the teams walked off without greeting each other after the contest amidst political tensions between the two neighboring nations.

The captains at the recent men’s Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates similarly avoided handshakes at matches between India and Pakistan. Indian authorities have alleged their neighbor of being involved in tourist assaults that claimed many lives.

Match Summary

India lost the toss, India were all out for 247 in 50 overs. The opening pair, Rawal and the star batter Smriti Mandhana, put on 48 for the opening stand before the bowler had Mandhana lbw for a 23 off 32. Rawal made 31 before she was bowled by the left-arm spinner Iqbal. Kaur scored 19 before she was caught behind off Diana Baig.

Deol top-scored for the team with 46 runs and Richa Ghosh made a rapid 35 not out to boost their side to a competitive total.

Rodrigues (32), Sharma (25) and Sneh Rana (20) all made useful runs, while Baig took four for 69 for Pakistan and Iqbal and Sana had two wickets apiece. Play was halted for 15 minutes because insects were bothering the players.

Pakistan’s Innings

Pakistan were dismissed for 159 runs in 43 overs. The only half-century of the match in Colombo came from Sidra Amin, who made 81 runs.

Pakistan’s first wicket was taken in a controversial fashion when the opening batter Ali was given out run out. She had placed her bat after getting back, having stepped out to play a shot. Her bat was then seen to be lifted when an throw hit the stumps. The captain protested to the official that the batter was not attempting a run but the ruling was upheld.

Her innings of 106 balls included a six and nine fours. The seamer took 3/20 and the spinner finished with 3/45.