We hated India’s record, says Sana

Pakistan captain delighted to beat arch-rivals by one-run in final group match.

KARACHI:

Despite crashing out of the World Twenty20, Pakistan Women had a huge reason to smile at the end of their campaign courtesy a one-run win over arch-rivals India.

The win, a day after their male counterparts got thrashed against the same rivals, was also Pakistan’s first in the World Twenty20s having played eight matches prior to this. Pakistan had lost to England and Australia in the two matches earlier but successfully defending 98 against India ensured the group campaign ended on a high.

Pakistan captain Sana Mir, who played an all-round part in the win, said that the country’s poor history against India in World Cups helped her side hold on for a win.

“This was one of our goals before we set off for the event,” Sana told The Express Tribune. “We hated India’s 100 per cent record against us in World Cups and we were desperate to end it here. We worked very hard because playing against India adds an extra motivation.”

The captain also termed the win a ‘step forward’ towards where the team wants to be.

“Although we are out of the title race, we have proved our mettle. India are one of the top teams and have been semi-finalists in all World Twenty20s.”

Sana added the team need improvement in the batting department which will aid the side’s progress.

“Our bowling and fielding has improved. It’s the batting that is a worrying point for us.”

Manager content with show

Meanwhile, Pakistan manager Ayesha Ashar expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance in the event.

“We were fine overall,” said Ayesha. “The team was unfortunate to lose on D/L against Australia as we did not get the opportunity to fight. But we restricted top teams to low totals which is the biggest positive. The players will learn from mistakes and improve further.”

The manager added the team was focusing on the play-off against South Africa where a win will ensure their qualification for the next World T20.

England overpower Australia

In the other match of the day, England chased down the 146-run target to beat Australia by seven wickets and end the group stage unbeaten.

Sarah Taylor remained unbeaten on 65, the tournament’s highest score so far, and took her side past Australia’s total with 11 balls to spare. Taylor shared a 63-run stand with Danni Wyatt who finished with 33 off just 17 balls.

Earlier, Australia opener Meg Lanning helped her side to a good start with a 39 from 31 balls after her team opted to bat first. However, Taylor and Wyatt’s brutal assault at the end meant Australia had to finish the group second best.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2012.