India secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Women's Asia Cup 2026 group stage match in Dubai on Saturday (September 5).
After Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat, their line-up dramatically collapsed from 27/0 to 55 all out in 18.1 overs. This marked their lowest-ever score in Women's T20I history.
Left-arm spinner Shree Charani (3/7) and leg-spinner Prema Rawat (3/9) tore through the Pakistan batting order, while veteran Deepti Sharma picked up 2/5 and opener Shafali Verma chipped in with 1/10.
In reply, the Women in Blue chased down the target of 56 in just 8.4 overs, finishing at 57/3 with captain Harmanpreet Kaur remaining unbeaten on 18.
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Kaur expressed her delight with this clinical and ruthless performance.
"It was a very important game for us. We talk about being ruthless, so very happy. All the bowlers have been outstanding, stuck to the plans, read the pitch well and executed well," she said.
Harmanpreet Kaur was particularly pleased by the fact that India didn't let their guard down despite reaching the semi-finals even before the Pakistan game.
"It is very important to keep the standards high. I know what this team brings to the table. As far as losing three wickets is concerned, it can happen. Pakistan have a good bowling attack," she added
During the match, Harmanpreet became the first cricket captain—male or female—to lead a country in 150 T20 Internationals. In fact, Indian women have played 228 T20Is so far and Kaur has featured in 205 games.
"I am grateful. I never thought that I will come this far. Keep supporting (appeal to fans). Hope I keep continuing the good work," she remarked.
Charani, who was declared Player-of-the-Match, said that the bowling coach had told her to put more revs (revolutions) on the ball which in turn helps in imparting drift and turn.
"Just wanted to bowl to my strengths and according to the field. I just try to give more revs on the ball," Charani said.
She might be one short of reaching the milestone of 50 T20I wickets, but doesn’t want to rest on the laurels. "It is normal. I want to keep up my good work," Charani added.
On the other hand, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana defended her decision to bat first after winning the toss, citing a batting collapse on a fresh pitch and the strength of their bowling attack.
"We had a collapse. It was a fresh wicket and we wanted to put maximum total as we had a good bowling side," Sana said.
Despite taking three quick wickets in a lone fightback, she emphasized that it didn’t matter as the result was not in their favour and the team will look to finish the tournament strongly in their final game.
"It doesn't matter that I got three wickets. We will try to play good cricket in our last game," she concluded.
(With PTI Inputs)
