ICC Women’s World T20: India defeats Pakistan

Former Indian women’s captain Mithali Raj once again stepped up to lead India to victory over Pakistan by 7 wickets in the ICC Women’s World T20 group match. Her remarkable fifty led India to gain the upper hand in the high octane clash after Pakistan managed to conjure up a paltry total of 133/7 in 20 overs in Guyana.Raj anchored the Indian run chase with a 47-ball 56 which she made with the help of seven fours in the Group B match which was marred by unprecedented docking of 10 penalty runs on Pakistan.

Raj anchored the Indian run chase with a 47-ball 56 which she made with the help of seven fours in the Group B match which was marred by unprecedented docking of 10 penalty runs on Pakist

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was all praise for the veteran and feels that she is a ‘key’ player for the team. Mithali was sent to open along with Smriti Mandhana after Pakistan set a target of 134 for India to chase.

“Mithali is a key player for us, we have to use her in a smart way. They have a good spin attack and she is our best batter against spin. In high-intensity games, her experience was vital as well.” said Harmanpreet in the post-match presentation.

India chased down the target of 134 with six balls to spare, reaching 137 for 3 in 19 over’s.

India made a strong start with openers Raj and Smriti Mandhana (26) finding the boundaries at regular intervals in their 73-run stand from 9.3 overs. Mandhana fell to Bismah Maroof with Omaima Sohail taking a superb catch at deep square leg.