A brilliant display from India’s fast bowlers helped Jhulan Goswami’s side record a comfortable ten-wicket victory over Pakistan on the opening day of the ICC Women’s World Cup.
25-year-old Rumeli Dhar starred with the ball, taking 3-7, as Pakistan crashed to a disappointing 57 all out as it failed to cope with the pressure of playing on women’s cricket’s biggest stage.
And India comfortably reached its target with 40 overs to spare, sending confidence in the camp soaring ahead of Tuesday’s huge clash with England.
India, after winning the toss, quickly grabbed the ascendancy as Jhulan Goswami and Rumeli Dhar bowled an excellent opening spell, showing great consistency with both line and length.
Bismah Maroof fell to an excellent diving catch by Gouher Sultana off the bowling of Rumeli Dhar, before a direct hit from Amita Sharma accounted for Nain Abidi.
Skipper Urooj Mumtaz Khan was then dismissed by her opposite number, Jhulan Goswami, before Sajida Shah and Almas Akram were dismissed off consecutive balls leaving it struggling on 23-5.
Worse was to follow, as it then slumped to 25-7, before Sana Mir’s disciplined innings of 17, which was supported by Ismavia Iqbal, restored some credibility to the score line after an eight-wicket partnership of 30.
But the final three Pakistan wickets crumbled for just two runs, as leg-break bowler Priyanka Roy cleaned up the tail with 2-13.
In reply, India showed its class with the bat, as openers Anagha Deshpande (26 not out) and Anjum Chopra (17 not out) placed and timed the ball with great skill.
Although Pakistan bowled with great determination it never really threatened the opening pair and India secured an easy victory before there was even time for lunch.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment