Nerves got the better of Pakistan in the final of the Asian Cricket Council Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup as a dramatic collapse saw the team go down by 18 runs and hand the title to their Indian counterparts at the Guanggong International Cricket Stadium.
Captain Sana Mir shone with the ball, claiming four for 13 as India Women were bundled out for 81 in 20 overs before Pakistan fared even worse. From being comfortably placed at 31 for one, the team lost the way and were dismissed for 61 as India erupted with joy.
The defeat was Pakistan’s second in the tournament — both coming against India.
Earlier, Mir destroyed the Indian batting line-up, finishing with her career-best Twenty20 international figures. The 26-year-old bowled her counterpart Harmanpreet Kaur for 20, while Bismah Maroof and Mariam Hasan took two wickets apiece to help put Pakistan in the driving seat.
However, the batters failed miserably after a sound start. Maroof made 18, while Mir contributed 11 but after the captain’s dismissal, Pakistan found no way back in the game. Nain Abidi, the only player to score a One-Day International century for Pakistan, made 13 but the contribution was not enough. Archana Das took two for 12, while Nagarajan Niranjana claimed the last wicket in the final over of the innings to finish with two for 15.
Poonam Raut was the player of the match for her 28-run knock, while Pakistan’s Maroof was given the player-of-the-tournament title. Maroof, 21, scored 113 runs in five games, the highest in the event, while also claiming five wickets.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2012.
COMMENTS (12)
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nothing new!!!!!!!!!!!! we are experts in beating pakistan now..............its become clear that pakistan cant handle pressure against india.......
ok pakistani this wasn't ur first defeat and i can say definitely not ur last........get ready for thrashings in december..........
At least the nation needs to be introduced to our national team members via news papers and TV .
hope the dramatic collapse of Pakistani batting lineup doesn't trigger a ''fixed match'' cacophony...
@G. Din: True. They deserve much praise for the fight.
@Gaurav:
I can say the same about Indians being obsessed for a match and winning from Pakistan, having lived among the most densely Indian populated areas in USA and UK.
From very harsh personal experience.....Not a hearsay.
I do not understand why Pakistanis are so much obsessed with getting a win over India. India is a country just like any other country in world. Last time the captain of Pakistani woman time boasted of their one run win over India , as if that match was a cup winner. Do not know when Pakistanis will get over with this obsession.
This match should have been telecast live on our state TV.
There is still time for the Pakistan Women Cricket team to learn and shine. They have the potential and the will (unlike men).
From a man.
This proves that women can do anything men can do in Pakistan!
Seems our women have acquired the same habit from our mens side - the domino effect of falling wickets once the first couple go. Line shuro. Well, a good effort by our girls all in all but we are clearly not there yet. And I would like to ask both Pak and Indian news channels why this match was not broadcast live on any channel?? This is how we "support" our women's teams? Shame.
Whatever they have accomplished, it is against remarkable odds. I commend their courage. Wins and losses are transitory and part of any sports. Let us not weigh too heavily on them! A little encouragement is in order here!