In their second Group A encounter of the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Edgbaston, India's bowlers, headed by off-spinner Sneh Rana (2-15) and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav (2-18), put up a strong performance to lay the groundwork for a convincing eight-wicket victory over Pakistan.
Smriti Mandhana, the opener, blasted an unbeaten 63 and executed superb strokes that exuded class and delight in equal measure to chase down the score with 38 balls remaining after bowling out Pakistan for just 99 in an 18-overs-a-side match due to rain.
After losing to Australia by three wickets in the first game, India's dreams of making the semifinals remain alive thanks to an eight-wicket demolition of Pakistan. India is currently leading the table with a net run rate that has increased from -0.56 to 1.17.
By slog-sweeping Anam Amin for six and then prancing down the pitch to loft over the bowler's head for four, Smriti gave India an adventurous start. Smriti's graceful Sunday performance included three boundaries from Diana Baig, with her bisecting backward point and short third man being the standout.
Shafali Verma hit Anam for a punishing six over long on and finished the over with a loft over wide long off for four as India continued to score boundaries. Smriti stole a four from Anam in the interim with a slice over the backward point.
Smriti turned the tables on bowler Fatima Sana, who hit a four-run pull through mid-wicket and brought up India's fifty in just 29 balls by dancing down the pitch to loft over mid-on.
Tuba Hassan's first over resulted in boundaries for Smriti and Shafali, respectively. Shafali attempted to slash a quicker delivery but nicked behind to Muneeba, breaking the 62-run opening partnership. However, the leg-spinner had the last laugh.
Smriti danced down the pitch and lofted Tuba for a spectacular six right down the ground to complete her 15th T20I fifty on 31 balls. S Meghana had some batting action with a 16-ball 14 before getting out by Omaima Sohail. Meghana joined the team after the team's late arrival owing to Covid-19. By pulling Fatima over long-on for four and ending the chase in style, Smriti kept India in contention for the final rounds.
Prior to it, the Indian bowlers performed flawlessly despite losing the toss and the weather delay. To keep things close and prevent Pakistan from escaping, the spinners bowled slowly and with some turn after the pacers got the ball to nip around.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 99 all out in 18 overs (Muneeba Ali 32, Aliya Riaz 18; Sneh Rana 2-15, Radha Yadav 2-18) lost to India 102-2 in 11.4 overs (Smriti Mandhana 63 not out, Shafali Verma 16; Tuba Hassan 1-18, Omaima Sohail 1-20) by eight wickets