Daijiworld Media Network – Birmingham
Birmingham, Jun 15: India registered a commanding 64-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in a Group A match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
After being put into bat, India posted a challenging total of 170 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a superb 68 off 44 deliveries, helping India set a target of 171 runs.
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bat first.
In reply, Pakistan struggled against the Indian bowling attack and were bowled out for 106 runs in 17 overs, falling short by 64 runs.
India all-rounder Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Match for her impressive performance.
In the day's other Group A encounter, Bangladesh secured a convincing six-wicket victory over the Netherlands.
Batting first, the Netherlands scored 138 for eight in 20 overs. Bangladesh chased down the target comfortably, reaching 141 for four in 19.1 overs.
Juairiya Ferdous starred for Bangladesh with a match-winning knock of 50 runs from 33 balls and was adjudged Player of the Match.
The month-long ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is being held across England and Wales, with the final scheduled to take place at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 5.