India produced a clinical performance to beat arch-rivals Pakistan by six.wickets in their second match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Backed by the passionate support of their fans who massively outnumbered the Pakistani supporters in the stands, India reduced their rivals to 105 for eight in 20 overs, thanks to an impressive spell from medium pacer Arundhati Reddy (4-0-19-3) .
Reddy was well-supported by Shreyanka Patil who took two wickets for 12 runs in four overs.
In reply, India reached the target in the 19th over, losing four wickets as opener Shafali Verma top-scored with 32 and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur made 29 before retiring hurt.
Despite the intense afternoon heat, 20,000 fans turned up to witness the first India-Pakistan clash in women’s cricket in the UAE.
With the impressive win, India are now back in race for a semifinal spot following their shock defeat to New Zealand in their opening Group A game on Friday.
Pakistan, who won their first match against Sri Lanka on Thursday, face another tough test against six-time champions Australia in their next game on Friday at the same stadium.
India, on the other hand, will have a score to settle in their next game against Sri Lanka who had beaten them in Asia Cup final early this year.