Women’s Asia Cup T20: Test of nerves as Pakistan, India clash in final

Arch-rivals to fight for the trophy on Sunday in Asian Institute of Technology Ground, Bangkok

Bismah Maroof-led Pakistan women’s cricket team, after defeating Thailand on Saturday by five wickets in the last league match of the tournament, are ready to take on unbeaten Indian women’s cricket team in the final of the Asian Cricket Council Women's Twenty20 Asia Cup in Thailand.

Pakistan, who were asked to bowl first against Thailand, sent the host team packing for a meagre 51 runs. Former captain Sana Mir bagged a four-for, while Anam Amin and Nida Dar bagged two wickets apiece.

In their chase, Pakistan lost both openers for a score of 13. Ayesha Zafar was caught on the first ball of the innings, while Bismah added six runs to the total before being run out. Asmavia Iqbal then held the reins of the team and scored 24 off 25 balls courtesy a four and a six. She was assisted by Nida who scored 14 runs off 21 balls.

Nain Abidi and Javeria Khan then helped Pakistan past the finishing line with 50 balls and five wickets to spare.

Pakistan are now set to take on India in the final on Sunday in Asian Institute of Technology Ground, Bangkok. Previously, in the league match, India beat Pakistan in the last over by five wickets.

Pakistan managed 97-7 in their 20 overs and India chased the target with only four balls remaining.

'Pakistan will come hard at us'

India all-rounder Shikha Pandey, while talking to cricbuzz, said that her team would be wary of not being complacent against arch-rivals Pakistan.

"The victory does give you confidence,” she said. “You have a psychological edge when you've defeated them already. But at the same time, it also gives you a message that they are going to come back harder at us," said Pandey.

Pandey added that Pakistan will be prepared to take India on and the team needs to show their A game to end up on the winning side.

"If we have seen them play, they have obviously seen us play too,” she said. “They will also come prepared with their strategies.” We will have to be mentally very tough when we face them and that's what we are going to do. Hopefully, we end up on the winning side."