Nida Dar upbeat for comeback against Australia after disappointing India loss

Pakistan women's team senior all-rounder Nida dar has reflected on the loss against arch-rivals India in the first match of 2022 ICC Women's World Cup.

India posted 244/7 after skipper Mithali Raj opted to bat first. Pakistan pacer Diana Baig sent opener Shefali Verma on a duck, but Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma added crucial 92 for the second wicket.

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Pakistan bowlers made a strong comeback picking up five wickets in the space of 11 overs for 18 runs but Sneh Rana (53*) and Pooja Vastrakar (67) again brought back India in the game with a 122-run stand, a record seventh-wicket partnership for India.

Pakistan women never gained momentum and kept on losing wickets. They were bundled out for 137 runs in 43 overs with Sidra Ameen (30) the only notable batter for the Girls in Green.

Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakward picked up four wickets and gave away 31 runs for the Girls in Blue. India convincingly won the match by 107 runs causing a considerable dent to Pakistan's Net Run Rate (NRR).

.@CoolNidadar reviews the India match and looks ahead to the Australia contest tomorrow#CWC22 #BackOurGirls #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/3Wyb209hBP

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 7, 2022

“Diana gave us a great start as we got an early breakthrough but couldn't capitalize but came back again with back-to-back wickets," said Dar. "We again lost track in the last overs, which we need to improve in the coming games."

According to the all-rounder, conditions in New Zealand are batting friendly and quick runs can be scored. She is hopeful to learn from mistakes made and make a strong comeback in the coming matches.

“The wickets are flat and helpful for the batters to score quick runs. 245 was a chasable target but we did not play well and our batting line collapsed. We could not capitalize on the momentum we gained from the warm-up games and hopefully will learn from our mistakes and be ready in the coming matches.” she added.

The next match of the Girls in Green is against the mighty Australian team at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui tomorrow which will be a challenging task for the Pakistan. The 34-year old Is confident to make a strong comeback after a massive defeat in their World Cup opener.

“Our next match is against Australia, where we need to make a strong statement. World Cup is a stage where teams make comebacks and also face tough challenges, and the team who rise from the challenges wins,” she concluded.