Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Tuesday – In a thrilling encounter at the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, the Pakistan women’s cricket team secured a dominant 10-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bolstering their chances of reaching the semi-finals. The match showcased an all-round performance from Pakistan, who bounced back strongly after their initial loss to India.
Chasing a modest target of 104 runs, Pakistan’s opening pair, Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali, displayed exemplary batting. The duo chased down the target in just 14.1 overs, marking the first 10-wicket victory in the history of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup. Feroza led the charge with an impressive 62 off 55 balls, including eight boundaries, while Muneeba supported with a solid 37 off 30 deliveries, hitting four boundaries.
Opting to bat first, the UAE team struggled against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. The UAE lost wickets at regular intervals, with only skipper Esha Oza (16 off 26) and Theertha Satish (40 off 36) providing some resistance. Khushi Sharma (12 off 13) was the only other batter to reach double figures.
Pakistan’s bowlers were on point, with Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, and Tuba Hassan each taking two wickets. Captain Nida Dar also contributed with a wicket, restricting UAE to a total of 103 runs for 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
– UAE Innings:103/8 (20 overs)
– Theertha Satish: 40 (36)
– Esha Oza: 16 (26)
– Khushi Sharma: 12 (13)
– Sadia Iqbal: 2/19
– Nashra Sandhu: 2/23
– Tuba Hassan: 2/24
– Pakistan Innings: 104/0 (14.1 overs)
– Gull Feroza: 62* (55)
– Muneeba Ali: 37* (30)
This victory places Pakistan in a strong position with four points from two matches. They now have one step in the semi-finals. Their fate, however, depends on the outcome of the final Group A match between Nepal and India. A win for India would secure Pakistan’s spot in the semi-finals.
– Pakistan: Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wk), Tuba Hassan, Sidra Ameen, Omaima Sohail, Nida Dar (c), Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Syeda Aroob Shah, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal
– UAE:Esha Rohit Oza (c), Theertha Satish (wk), Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Kavisha Egodage, Khushi Sharma, Heena Hotchandani, Suraksha Kotte, Vaishnave Mahesh, Lavanya Keny, Indhuja Nandakumar
Pakistan’s commanding performance has set a new benchmark in the tournament, and they now eagerly await the result of the Nepal-India clash to see if their semi-final berth is confirmed.
