Colombo: Hours before the blockbuster India versus Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium on Sunday evening, the blue brigade already went one up against the green army.
It was the female cricketers who came out on top in Bangkok as India Women A outclassed Pakistan A by 8 wickets in a Group A fixture of the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars meet at Terdthai Cricket Ground.
However, the no-handshake policy adopted by India against at the Men’s Asia Cup last year, continued. The women players of the two teams did not shake hands, either before or after the game.
Having lost their campaign opener against the UAE two days ago, India were under pressure to bounce back. They did so in style, skittling out Pakistan A for 93 in 18.5 overs.
The apparently simple chase began disastrously as Humaira Kazi fell to the first ball of the innings.
However, Dinesh Vrinda calmed nerves with a strokeful unbeaten 55 off 29 balls, laced with 12 boundaries.
Vrinda and Anushka Sharma stitched a 79-run partnership in quick time. Tejal Hasabnis provided the finishing touches in Vrinda’s company, as India A raced past the finishing line with nearly 10 overs to spare.
The emphatic win boosted India women’s net run and pushed them to second place behind the UAE, while Pakistan A slipped to third.
