Smriti Mandhana’s 63-run undefeated attempt leads India to crucial victory over Pakistan
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Indian cricket team took their first win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, courtesy of the Smriti Mandhana show. Mandhana led the way as her unbeaten attempt of 63 runs in 42 balls of 8 fours and 3 sixes led India to a crucial victory against arch-rival Pakistan.
After winning the toss, Pakistan women’s team captain Bismah Maroof chose to bowl first in overcast conditions as rain forced the match to 18 overs per side. However, the move failed as The Women in Green continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.
India beat Pakistan by just 99 runs and chased the required total with 38 balls left, thanks to Mandhana’s fifty.
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India put their desired ‘killing attitude’ under pressure as they put in a relentless performance to beat arch-rivals Pakistan by eight wickets and boost their chances of a semi-final spot at the Commonwealth Games.
Pakistan’s decision to bat first backfired when Indian bowlers choked the batters to throw them out for a paltry 99 all-out in the 18 overs-a-side game after rain delayed the start of play.
Spinners Sneh Rana and Radha Yadav stood out with two wickets each.
The chase was also clinical with Smriti Mandhana (63 off 42 balls), arguably the most attractive batter in women’s cricket, showing off her streak of strokes en route to a nice undefeated half-century. The result was confirmed when India shot down the target in just 11.4 overs.
India showed an approach they have tried to play with in recent months and it would certainly have satisfied captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
With inputs from PTI
