Dubai, September 5 (Daily Kiran) : India showcased a stellar performance in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, defeating Pakistan by 7 wickets in their ninth match held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 5. Chasing a modest target of 56 runs, the Indian team reached the goal with ease, losing only three wickets in just 8.4 overs.
The Indian innings got off to a shaky start. Shefali Verma scored 12 runs off 6 balls before returning to the pavilion. Pratika Rawal continued her disappointing run, managing only 4 runs. Smriti Mandhana also struggled, contributing just 9 runs to the total.
However, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma steadied the innings, ensuring no further setbacks for India. Harmanpreet remained unbeaten on 18 runs from 18 balls, while Deepti added 12 runs off 14 balls, also not out. Pakistan’s Fatima Sana was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets in the match.
Batting first after winning the toss, the Pakistan team faced early challenges. Muniba Ali and Shawaal Zulfiqar managed to put together 27 runs for the first wicket. Muniba was dismissed for 13 runs off 15 balls, while Zulfiqar scored 14 runs, aided by three boundaries, before falling to Shree Charni.
Shree Charni kept Gul Firoza from opening her account, and Ayesha Zafar could only muster 2 runs from 7 balls. Sadaf Shamas was bowled out by Prema Rawat for just 3 runs. Captain Fatima Sana also failed to score, dismissed for a duck by Deepti Sharma. The rest of the batting lineup faltered, with Emaan Fatima scoring only 5 runs and Umm-e-Hani adding 6.
The Pakistan team struggled significantly, with only two players crossing the double-digit mark, ultimately bowled out for a mere 55 runs.
The Indian spin attack was exceptional. Shree Charni took 3 wickets for just 7 runs in her 4 overs, while Prema Rawat also grabbed 3 wickets, conceding only 9 runs. Deepti Sharma was economical, taking 2 wickets for just 5 runs in her 3.1 overs. Shefali Verma also contributed with a wicket.
This match highlighted India’s dominance in the tournament, setting a strong tone for their campaign.
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