Pakistan women’s clash against India was a stuff of nightmares. They crumpled for their lowest total in T20Is, 55, after a spectacular batting collapse which saw them lose six wickets for just eight runs. While Pakistan did attempt to turn some bumps in the chase, they were nowhere near enough to halt India’s juggernaut that rolled over them with a seven-wicket win.
Indian spinners shared nine wickets between them, with Shree Charani and Prema Rawat bagging three each. The defeat, though bizarrely terrible even by Pakistan’s standards, wasn’t an isolated case for them. Pakistan have had a difficult time with the format this year. After winning 3-0 over Zimbabwe at home earlier this year, they have only managed three wins in twelve completed games since.
Wahab backs Pakistan despite struggles
Despite their struggles, Pakistan’s coach Wahab Riaz believes the team has everything they need to make merry in Dubai’s spin conditions.
“I believe that all the players in our team are very skilful, and they just need to trust themselves. Our next match is against Hong Kong. We will go back and discuss what we did wrong against India. We won’t commit the same mistakes,” Riaz told reporters after the match.
“I still believe Pakistan is the best side in this Asia Cup to lift the trophy because the conditions really suit us,” he added.
Pakistan’s batting remains their Achilles’ heel
Pakistan’s Achilles’ heel has been their batting. Among all full-member nations, only Zimbabwe have had a worse batting average this year. But their bowling hasn’t clicked as effectively in this tournament either.
Pakistan will face Hong Kong in their next game on September 7; a win in this game will see them qualify alongside India to the next stage.
Pakistan women’s squad for Asia Cup:
Fatima Sana (c), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.
Reserves: Tasmia Rubab, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees and Sadaf Shamas.
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