Women's World Cup: India overwhelm Pakistan in campaign opener

Sneh Rana shines with bat and ball as India put one over neighbours PakistanOne of the poignant moments at the Bay Oval stadium in Mount Maunganui on Sunday was Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof walking into the stadium with her six-month old daughter Fatima in one hand and her backpack slung on the other. It summarized a stirring tale of grit, determination and a comeback. AS IT HAPPENEDOnce the match, India's World Cup opener against Pakistan started, Mithali Raj's team exhibited the same qualities on the field. Struggling at 114/6 in the 34th over, India rode on a fine batting show from Smriti Mandana (52), Deepti Sharma (40), Sneh Rana (53 n. o, 48b, 4x4) and Pooja Vastrakar (67, 59b, 8x4) to steer India to a competitive 244/7.

Bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad (4/31) then turned up the heat to bowl out Pakistan for 137 in 43 overs, thus handing India a handsome 107-run win. In the process, they stretched their winning streak against their rivals from across the border to 11 matches. Diana Baig provided Pakistan the first break, when a slightly impatient Shafali Verma went for a big one on the leg side but saw her bails tumble. Smriti and Deepti then decided to grind it out with their 92-run association. Smriti decided to play with controlled aggression and the ploy worked.

But spinner Nashra Sandhu (2/36) halted the partnership when Deepti played across, missed the line completely and watched as her off-stump cartwheeled. This triggered a collapse as the left-arm spin duo of Sandhu and Dar (2/45) ensured a procession of Indian batters. India lost five wickets for the addition of 18 runs, as the batters were guilty of throwing away their wickets with Smriti, Mithali and Richa getting their shot