Follow Pakistan Women’s exciting progress in the Asia Cup 2024 with our website, as they dominate Nepal to stay in the competition. Stay connected for more updates.
Introduction:
Pakistan Women secured a commanding nine-wicket victory over Nepal Women in their Group A clash of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, held in Dambulla. The victory, achieved with 49 balls remaining, propelled Pakistan(W) to second place in the group standings, while Nepal(W) faces a tough challenge against India in their final group match to remain in the semi-final contention.
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Pakistan Women’s Bowling Brilliance and Fielding Prowess
Nepal Women, having been sent in to bat first, began their innings with a positive intent. Samjhana Khadka, coming off a match-winning half-century against UAE(W), started confidently by hitting Fatima Sana for a boundary. However, her early dismissal by Nashra Sandhu marked the beginning of a series of setbacks for Nepal(W). Despite this, Sita Rana Magar and Kabita Kunwar managed to keep the scoreboard ticking with some boundaries, reaching 29 for 1 by the fourth over.
Sadia Iqbal’s Game-Changing Over
Sadia Iqbal’s introduction to the attack turned the tide in Pakistan(W)’s favor. In a remarkable first over, Iqbal’s left-arm spin resulted in a series of close calls against Kabita Kunwar. Her second over proved even more decisive, as she claimed the wickets of Kunwar and Nepal(W)’s captain Indu Barma within three deliveries. These breakthroughs left Nepal(W) reeling at 30 for 3 at the end of the powerplay.
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Middle Overs Struggles and Run-Outs
Omaima Sohail’s maiden over following Iqbal’s double strike further tightened Pakistan(W)’s grip on the game. Nepal(W)’s efforts to rebuild were thwarted by a series of run-outs, notably Rubina Chhetry and Sita Rana Magar, which significantly hampered their progress. Despite some resistance from Puja Mahato and Kabita Joshi, Nepal(W) found themselves at a precarious 68 for 5 after 15 overs.
Nepal(W)’s Late Surge
In the final five overs, Nepal(W) managed to inject some life into their innings. Joshi and Mahato capitalized on some sloppy fielding from Pakistan(W) to add crucial runs, including the only six of the innings by Joshi off Fatima Sana. This late burst saw Nepal(W) finish at 108 for 6, setting a target that, while modest, offered them some hope.
Pakistan(W)’s Commanding Chase
Chasing a target of 109, Pakistan(W)’s openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali set a blistering pace right from the outset, leaving the Nepal(W) bowlers struggling to find their rhythm. Feroza, in particular, was in a destructive mood, smashing boundaries at will and displaying an array of powerful shots all around the ground. Her aggression and fearless batting saw Pakistan(W) race to 52 for no loss by the end of the powerplay, putting immense pressure on the Nepalese side. Meanwhile, Muneeba played a steady supporting role, rotating the strike effectively and ensuring that the momentum never dipped, allowing Feroza to continue her onslaught without any interruptions.
Relentless Attack and Clinical Finish
Nepal(W)’s bowlers struggled to find their rhythm and were consistently punished by the Pakistan openers. Feroza brought up her maiden T20I fifty in just 30 balls, ensuring the target was never out of reach. Although she fell for a well-made 57 off 35 balls, the foundation had been laid, and Muneeba Ali, who remained unbeaten on 46, guided Pakistan(W) home with a boundary, sealing a comprehensive victory.
Conclusion
Pakistan Women’s decisive victory over Nepal Women has revitalized their campaign in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. Their performance, highlighted by disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and explosive batting, underscores their potential as strong contenders in the tournament. As Pakistan(W) looks forward to their final group match against UAE(W), their fans can remain hopeful for a continued display of such dominant performances.