Deepti Sharma’s Stellar 3-20 Leads India to Victory Against Pakistan in Women’s T20 Asia Cup Opener

Deepti Sharma delivered an exceptional bowling performance, taking 3-20 to help India bowl out Pakistan for a modest 108 in their opening clash of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

In addition to Deepti’s superb bowling in the middle overs, Renuka Singh Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar, and Shreyanka Patil each took two wickets, contributing to a dominant display by the Indian bowlers. Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to build partnerships and maintain a steady run rate, losing their last six wickets for just 47 runs. Only four Pakistani batters managed to reach double figures.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan faced an early setback when Gull Feroza top-edged a pull shot, which was caught by mid-on off Pooja Vastrakar. Pooja struck again in the fourth over, dismissing Muneeba Ali with another short ball that was misjudged and caught at cover.

Post the Power-play, Pakistan’s struggles continued as Shreyanka Patil’s loopy off-break delivery induced a leading edge from Aliya Riaz, caught at mid-wicket. Nida Dar was the next to fall, holing out to long-on off Deepti Sharma. Renuka Singh then struck twice in successive deliveries, with Sidra Amin slicing to backward point and Iram Javed trapped lbw.

Tuba Hassan showed some resistance with three boundaries in her 19-ball 22, but she eventually sliced a delivery from Deepti to backward point in the 18th over. Deepti continued her excellent spell by having Nashra Sandhu caught behind after Syeda Aroob Shah was run out.

Fatima Sana added some valuable runs, taking Pakistan past the 100-run mark with a brace of sixes off Radha Yadav. However, Shreyanka Patil ended Pakistan’s innings by bowling Sadia Iqbal, leaving Pakistan all out for 108 with four balls to spare.

Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 108 all out in 19.2 overs (Sidra Amin 25; Deepti Sharma 3-20, Renuka Singh Thakur 2-14) against India.