Women’s Asia Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur stars in India’s win over Pakistan

NEW DELHI: The Indian women’s team, led by a solid all-round performance from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, defeated Pakistan by five wickets in their third match of the Asia Cup held in Bangkok. This was India’s third win in a row and kept them at the top of the points table.
Harmanpreet starred with the ball, firstly, as she took 2/16 in what was an excellent showing in the field. Pakistan were kept to 97/7 in 20 overs.Then she sealed a successful chase with four deliveries remaining, finishing not out on 26 from 22 balls, with three fours.
Ekta Bisht’s superb 3/20 in four overs and a miserly 2/12 in four from offspinner Anuja Patil had also added to Pakistan’s underwhelming total. In pursuit of a target of 98, Mithali Raj made 36 off 57 balls to hold up one end as India slumped to 51/3 in 12. overs. Harmanpreet ensured she finished the job.
India next play Sri Lanka on December 1 followed by their last league match with Nepal a day later.
Brief scores: India Women 98/5 in 19.2 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 26*, Mithali Raj 36) beat Pakistan Women 97/7 in 20 overs (Nain Abidi 37*, Ekta Bisht 3/20, Anuja Patil 2/12, Harmanpreet Kaur 2/16) by five wickets