The Indian women’s cricket team got off to a strong start in the 2024 Women’s T20 Asia Cup, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets in the tournament’s second match.

Batting first, Pakistan could only manage to post a modest total of 108 runs, as the Indian bowlers put in a disciplined performance to dismiss the Greenshirts’ lineup.

In response, the Indian opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma laid the foundation for a comfortable chase. Mandhana scored 45 runs off just 31 balls while Verma contributed a quick-fire 40 off 29 deliveries to bring India within touching distance of the target.

Though Pakistan managed to pick up three quick wickets to slow India’s progress, the defending champions ultimately chased down the runs in 14.1 overs, securing a comprehensive 7-wicket victory.

For Pakistan, Syeda Aroob Shah and Nashra Sandhu picked up two and one wicket respectively, but their efforts were not enough to stop the Indian juggernaut.

This loss means Pakistan has failed to get off to a winning start in the tournament. However, they will have an opportunity to bounce back when they face Nepal on Sunday, July 21.

In the day’s earlier fixture, Nepal women’s team registered their first-ever victory in the Asia Cup history, defeating the UAE.