COLOMBO: A collective and responsible batting display, headlined by Harleen Deol’s measured 46 was followed by an incisive bowling performance led by Kranti Gaud (3 for 20) as India registered a comprehensive 88-run victory over Pakistan here. The clinical win propels India to the top of the table and extends their formidable unbeaten streak against their arch-rivals to 12 ODIs.
Chasing a competitive 247 on a sluggish surface Pakistan was bundled out for 159 in 43 overs with Sidra Amin waging a solitary valiant battle with a resilient 81.
After being put in to bat openers Pratika Rawal (31) and Smriti Mandhana (23) provided a steady platform for India. However, the Pakistani spinners applied the brakes in the middle overs stifling the scoring rate. Harleen and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (19) engaged in a period of consolidation but the partnership was slow to gather momentum.
The innings received a much-needed impetus from Jemimah Rodrigues, who benefitted from a slice of fortune when a dismissal off Diana Baig was overturned for a no-ball. She along with Harleen, added crucial runs before a bizarre stoppage due to an insect infestation briefly halted play. After the resumption India lost both set batters in quick succession slipping to 159 for 5.
It was then that Richa Ghosh batting as low as number eight for the first time played a vital cameo. Her aggressive 35, studded with powerful hits provided the late flourish that propelled India to a challenging total of 247. For Pakistan, Diana Baig claimed four wickets but proved expensive.
In response Pakistan’s chase never truly took off. The new-ball pair of Renuka Thakur and Gaud bowled with exemplary discipline building immense pressure from the outset. A fortuitous run-out to dismiss Muneeba Ali gave India an early breakthrough.
While Sidra Amin anchored one end she was offered a couple of reprieves by the Indian fielders. She found an able partner in Natalia Pervaiz (33) and their half-century stand offered a glimmer of hope. However Gaud’s return to the attack immediately broke the partnership tilting the scales firmly in India’s favour.
From there wickets fell at regular intervals as Deepti Sharma (3 for 45) and Sneh Rana (2 for 32) dismantled the middle and lower order. Amin’s dismissal while attempting a scoop off Rana effectively extinguished Pakistan’s remaining hopes and the innings folded soon after.
The scores: India 247 in 50 overs (Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35*, Jemimah Rodrigues 32; Diana Baig 4/69, Fatima Sana 2/38) bt Pakistan 159 in 43 overs (Sidra Amin 81, Natalia Pervaiz 33; Kranti Gaud 3/20, Deepti Sharma 3/45).
