ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Pakistan women’s cricket team has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup after India achieved an emphatic 82-run victory over Nepal at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday.
India’s performance was dominant from the start. They posted an imposing total of 178/3 in their 20 overs, thanks to a solid batting display. Their bowlers then stepped up, restricting Nepal to 96/9, ensuring their own qualification for the final four. This victory came on the heels of India’s previous wins over Pakistan and the UAE, further solidifying their place in the tournament.
Earlier in the day, the Girls in Green faced a must-win scenario against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and rose to the occasion with an extraordinary ten-wicket victory. Chasing a target of 104 runs, Pakistan’s opening pair, Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali, put on a batting masterclass. They reached the target in just 14.1 overs without losing a single wicket. Feroza dazzled with an unbeaten 62 off 55 balls, including eight fours, while Muneeba provided a steady hand with 37 runs off 30 deliveries, featuring four boundaries. This remarkable feat made Pakistan the first team to win a match by 10 wickets in the history of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup.
The UAE, having been asked to bat first, struggled to build momentum. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with only skipper Esha Oza (16 off 26) and Theertha Satish (40 off 36) managing notable contributions. Khushi Sharma chipped in with 12 runs off 13 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered.
Pakistan’s bowlers were relentless. Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, and Tuba Hassan each claimed two wickets, while captain Nida Dar added another to the tally. Their combined efforts ensured that the UAE could only muster a modest total, setting the stage for Pakistan’s historic win.
This triumph is more than just a step towards the semi-finals; it’s a story of resilience, skill, and unwavering teamwork. The Pakistan women’s cricket team has shown that with determination and collective effort, they can achieve greatness on the grand stage of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup.
