Across various tournaments, India has consistently dominated Pakistan with solid bowling performances.
The Women's T20 World Cup 2024 continues, with India taking on PAK in the most eagerly awaited encounter. Both sides face off in game 7 of the tournament at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 6. India and PAK have played one game each so far, with PAK winning and securing second place in the standings. On the other hand, India lost their opener against New Zealand, making their journey tougher. As India aims for a big win, here's a look at five times when India bowled out PAK for under 100.
What a smashing record! 💯🙌
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 24, 2022
A mighty inspiration for all female aspirers of the sport🏏 Priyanka Roy etched her way into history with this 5-wicket haul. 💪#PlayBeyondBoundaries #GetReadyForEpic #WomensAsiaCup #AsiaCup2022 #ACC pic.twitter.com/gRyjOxjmLf
India's first instance of dominance came in the 2009 ICC Women's World T20 at Taunton. PAK struggled to build partnerships, succumbing to India's disciplined bowling attack. Priyanka Roy was unstoppable, grabbing five wickets for just 16 runs. With the bat, Anjum Chopra's steady 37* led India to a comfortable win, chasing down PAK's total of 75. Despite early setbacks, India chased down the target in 17.4 overs, thanks to a strong all-round performance by Roy. The match highlighted India's early dominance over their arch-rivals on the global stage.
In the 2012 ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup, India once again outclassed PAK with the ball, bowling them out for 93. Pakistan's innings never took off, thanks to India's impeccable bowling and sharp fielding, which resulted in three run-outs. Archana Das and Reema Malhotra took two wickets each, stifling PAK batters. In response, Mithali Raj's calm 36 ensured India comfortably chased down the target with eight wickets to spare. The game emphasised India's ability to seize control and prevent PAK from gaining any momentum.
The final of the 2012 ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup saw India defend a modest 81 runs. PAK, chasing just 82, crumbled under pressure, falling short by 18 runs and getting bowled out for 63. Archana Das and Niranjana Nagarajan were the key bowlers for India, taking crucial wickets. PAK captain Sana Mir tried to anchor the chase, but India's disciplined bowling and sharp fielding kept them in check. This thrilling low-scoring final highlighted India's resilience and skill in defending even the smallest targets.
In the 2016 ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup, PAK set India a target of 97, but India's bowling made the difference. Ekta Bisht led the attack with three wickets for 20 runs, restricting PAK batters from building momentum. Nain Abidi fought hard with an unbeaten 37, but the pressure from India's bowlers kept the PAK total in check. Harmanpreet Kaur's calm 26* guided India to a 5-wicket victory. This match demonstrated India's ability to stay composed under pressure and execute their plans perfectly.
In the 2018 ACC Women's T20 Asia Cup, India's bowlers again put on a show, restricting PAK to just 72 runs in their 20 overs. Ekta Bisht shone brightly, taking 3 for 14, while Deepti Sharma and Poonam Yadav bowled economically. PAK batters struggled to score, with only Nahida Khan and Sana Mir offering some resistance. India chased down the target comfortably, with Smriti Mandhana anchoring the innings with 38 runs and Harmanpreet Kaur finishing unbeaten on 34. The win further solidified India's dominance in the Asia Cup.
As India and Pakistan gear up for another thrilling encounter in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, the question lingers: Can India's bowlers dismantle Pakistan again and bowl them out for under 100? With a strong bowling lineup and Pakistan's shaky middle order, it's a challenge that's not out of reach for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team. If history is any indication, India has shown time and again that they can rise to the occasion when it matters the most. Sunday's game might just be another chapter in this storied rivalry.
