The Pakistan women’s cricket team etched their names in history by achieving a remarkable ten-wicket victory in the ongoing Women’s T20 Asia Cup on Tuesday. Prior to this feat, different teams had secured victories by nine wickets on eight occasions, but no team had ever won by ten wickets in the tournament’s history.
Pakistan’s Dominant Performance
In a must-win match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, the Girls in Green showcased an all-round performance, securing their second win of the tournament. This victory placed Pakistan in a strong position, with one foot in the semi-finals, accumulating four points from their two victories. Their only setback so far in the tournament was a loss to India in their opening match.
Outstanding Opening Partnership
Chasing a target of 104 runs, Pakistan’s opening duo, Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali, displayed exceptional form with the bat. They achieved the target in just 14.1 overs without losing a single wicket, with 35 balls to spare. Feroza played a stellar innings, scoring 62 runs off 55 deliveries, including eight fours. Her partner, Muneeba, contributed 37 runs off 30 balls, hitting four boundaries. This unbroken partnership ensured Pakistan’s historic ten-wicket win, making them the first team in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup to achieve such a victory.
Key Moments of the Match
Earlier in the match, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. The UAE team struggled to build momentum as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Esha Oza managed to score 16 runs off 26 balls, while Theertha Satish was the top scorer for UAE with 40 runs off 36 balls. Khushi Sharma was the only other batter to reach double figures, contributing 12 runs off 13 deliveries.
Pakistan’s bowlers put up an impressive performance, with Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, and Tuba Hassan each taking two wickets. Captain Nida Dar also chipped in with one wicket, ensuring that UAE was restricted to a modest total of 103 runs.
The Path to the Semi-Finals
With this victory, Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals have been significantly bolstered. However, their fate still partially rests on the outcome of the match between Nepal and India. For a secure entry into the semi-finals, Pakistan needs India to defeat Nepal in the last match of Group A.
Playing XIs
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
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, Pakistan’s women’s cricket team will look to build on this momentum. Their comprehensive win over UAE has not only boosted their confidence but also demonstrated their potential to compete at the highest levels. With their eyes set on the semi-finals, the team will be closely watching the result of the Nepal-India match. Regardless of the outcome, this historic ten-wicket victory has already secured a memorable place for the Girls in Green in the annals of Women’s T20 Asia Cup history.
The Pakistan women’s cricket team’s historic win by ten wickets against UAE is a testament to their skill, determination, and teamwork. It marks a significant milestone in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup and adds a glorious chapter to Pakistan’s cricketing achievements. As they prepare for the upcoming challenges, the team and their supporters can take immense pride in this remarkable accomplishment.
