Colombo: The men had stamped their authority on Pakistan in Dubai last month, winning all three clashes en route to the Asia Cup title.
On another Sunday, fourth in a row, it was the turn of Indian women to dismiss Pakistan’s challenge.
Up against the green brigade in the ICC Women’s World Cup, Harmanpreet Kaur & Co. got their act together after the batters were tested at the R Premadasa Stadium.
Asked to bat first after Fatima Sana won the toss under controversial circumstances, India stuttered to 159/5 before finishing on a competitive 247. The top 8 all contributed at least 20 runs, but nobody got a fifty.
Pakistan made a slow start and lost too many wickets early on as they limped to 26/3 in 11 overs. Though they recovered through a 69-run partnership between top-scorer Sidra Amin (81) and Natalia Pervaiz (33), Pakistan were always behind the required rate. In the end, their lower order batters and they were bowled out for 159 in 43 overs.
Pakistan’s last 5 wickets fell for the addition of just 16 runs as Kranti Goud and Deepti Sharma bagged 3 wickets each.
The comprehensive win made it 12-0 for India against Pakistan in Women’s ODIs.
In WT20Is, India are 13-3 in the head-to-head against Pakistan.
BRIEF SCORES
India 247 in 50 overs (Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35*; Diana Baig 4/69).
Pakistan 159 in 43 overs (Sidra Amin 81, Natalia Pervaiz 33; Kranti Goud 3/20, Deepti Sharma 3/45).
Result: India won by 88 runs.
Player of the Match: Kranti Goud.
