India chased the target of 150 in 19 overs which was set by the Pakistan Women’s team in the first inning with a brilliant performance of an unbeaten 68 from Captain Bisma Maroof. Pakistan’s eleven made it hard for a strong opponent to chase the target in the first 15 overs. At one stage, India women required 41 runs in last four overs. Jemimah Rodrigues’ heroic performance in the 17th 18th and 19th overs with her partner Ghosh made it easy to chase with six balls left. She scored 53 not out of just 38 deliveries and set up the victory start for the Indian team.
Pakistan’s captain Bisma Maroof won the toss and opted to bat first in Cape Town. She hoped to set the target of 150 plus runs in a pre-match interview. Bisma was 68 not out and her team players, including Ayesha Naseem 43 not out, and Muneeba Ali 12, helped in the team total of 149 for the loss of four wickets.
Nashra Sandhu’s economical spell of left-arm spin initially seemed to put Pakistan in a favorable position for victory. However, Rodrigues, along with wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, launched a thrilling onslaught, propelling India to a seven-wicket win in Group B.
India had a solid start in their chase as openers Yastika Bhatia and Shafali Verma built a partnership of 33 runs heading into the final over of the powerplay.
But Pakistan soon made a breakthrough as Sadia Iqbal dismissed Bhatia for 17 runs. Bhatia chipped the ball straight to Fatima Sana, who held a straightforward catch at cover.
Verma secured a score of 33 runs off 25 balls before Pakistan claimed their second wicket. Sidra pulled off a stunning catch on the boundary off Nashra’s bowling.
Nashra’s impressive spell in the middle overs continued to put pressure on Pakistan’s opponents. She soon struck again by dismissing Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who was caught by opposite number Bismah while attempting a slog sweep on 16.
That seemed to put Pakistan on the brink of victory, but India responded in style, with Rodrigues leading the charge alongside Ghosh.
The dangerous duo scored a combined 27 runs off the 17th and 18th overs, leaving their side with just 14 runs required from the final 12 balls.
And they only needed half of that number to secure victory as Rodrigues struck three fours off Sana’s final over to complete a brilliant half-century and propel her side to a memorable T20 World Cup victory.
Scores in brief:
India beat Pakistan at Cape Town by seven wickets
Pakistan 149 for four in 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 68 not out, Ayesha Naseem 43 not out; Radha Yadav 2/21, Pooja Vastrakar 1/31)
India 151 for three in 19 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 53 not out, Shafali Verma 33; Nashra Sandhu 2/15, Sadia Iqbal 1/25)
Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues (India)
