India dominate Pakistan with seven-wicket win in Asia Cup opener

India's women's cricket team secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their opening match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday.

India's bowlers set the tone, restricting Pakistan to a modest total of 108 runs in 19.2 overs. Deepti Sharma led the charge with three wickets, while Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, and Shreyanka Patil each took two wickets.

Pakistan's innings struggled from the start, with openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali dismissed for just five and 11 runs, respectively. Sidra Amin provided some resistance with a 22-run contribution from 35 balls, but received little support from her teammates. Captain Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz could only add 8 and 6 runs, respectively. 

Tuba Hassan offered a brief spark with a quick 22 runs off 19 balls, including three boundaries, while Fatima Sana's late 22-run knock off 16 balls pushed Pakistan past the 100-run mark.
Chasing 109, India made light work of the target, reaching it in just 14.1 overs. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana put India in a strong position with an 85-run partnership. Verma scored 40 off 29 balls, and Mandhana added 45 off 31. 

Aroob Shah managed to dismiss both openers and Dayalan Hemalatha (14 off 11), but skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues saw India home without further loss.

India's impressive all-round performance ensured a smooth start to their Women’s Asia Cup campaign, leaving Pakistan with much to ponder as the tournament progresses.