The big India vs Pakistan contest at the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 will take place on the first day of the tournament – being played in Dambulla, Sri Lanka – itself. The much-anticipated clash between IND vs PAK women is set to capture the imagination of cricket fans worldwide. Here’s your ready reckoner for it.
Match Details
- Match: India vs Pakistan
- Venue: Dambulla, Sri Lanka
- Date and Time: July 19, 7.00pm local time
IND vs PAK Women – Recent Form
India
In the last year, the Indian women’s cricket team has showcased commendable performance in T20 Internationals. They have played 17 T20Is during this period and boast a 10-5 win-loss record, with two games ending in no-results. A significant highlight for the Indian team was winning the Asian Games gold in Hangzhou, where they defeated Sri Lanka by 19 runs in the final. Despite this triumph, India faced consecutive series losses at home against England and Australia. However, they made a strong comeback by sweeping Bangladesh 5-0 in Sylhet. Most recently, their three-match series in Chennai against South Africa ended 1-1, with the second game being washed out after one innings.
Pakistan
Pakistan has played 19 completed T20I matches in the same timeframe, managing to win only seven while losing 12. Their notable achievement was a 3-0 series win against South Africa at home. However, their performance at the Asian Games was less impressive, as they reached the semi-finals but lost to Sri Lanka and subsequently to Bangladesh in the bronze-medal playoff. Following the Asian Games, Pakistan suffered a series of losses, including a T20I series in Bangladesh, a home series against West Indies, and most recently, a 3-0 sweep in England. The only series win for Pakistan came in New Zealand late last year when they won 2-1.
IND vs PAK Women – Head-to-Head
Over the years, India and Pakistan have faced each other 14 times in T20Is, but interestingly, no bilateral series have taken place between these two rivals. Of these encounters, India has emerged victorious 11 times, while Pakistan has managed to win three matches. Notably, the only match played in one of the two countries was held in Delhi during the T20 World Cup 2016, where Pakistan defeated India by two runs in a rain-shortened game.
In the Asia Cup context, India has a significant edge over Pakistan, winning five out of the six games they have played against each other. The lone victory for Pakistan in the Asia Cup came during the last edition in Sylhet in 2022.
Players to Watch
India
- Smriti Mandhana: Smriti Mandhana, with her elegant stroke play and consistency, has been a cornerstone for the Indian batting lineup. She has accumulated 3320 T20I runs at an average of 28.13 and a strike rate of 121.83. Mandhana’s ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes her a critical player for India.
- Shafali Verma: Shafali Verma is known for her aggressive batting style at the top of the order. With 1748 T20I runs at an average of 24.27 and a strike rate of 129.48, she can dismantle any bowling attack on her day. Together with Mandhana, she forms a formidable opening pair that can set the tone for India’s innings.
- Radha Yadav: As a crucial part of India’s bowling attack, Radha Yadav has been impressive with 16 wickets in her last eight matches, maintaining an economy rate of 5.97 and a strike rate of 10.87. Her ability to take wickets at crucial junctures makes her an asset for India.
- Pooja Vastrakar: Pooja Vastrakar, with her all-round abilities, has taken 16 wickets in her last ten matches with an economy rate of 6.37 and a strike rate of 13.06. Her contributions with both bat and ball add depth to the Indian side.
Pakistan
- Nida Dar: The Pakistani captain, Nida Dar, is a vital cog in their lineup. As a bowling allrounder, she consistently picks up wickets and can contribute useful runs down the order. In her last ten matches, she has taken 11 wickets with an economy rate of 7.68 and a strike rate of 19.81.
- Sidra Amin: Sidra Amin has been in excellent form with the bat, scoring 248 runs from nine innings this year at an average of 27.56 and a strike rate of 103.76. Her consistency at the top of the order provides stability to Pakistan’s batting lineup.
- Muneeba Ali: Muneeba Ali, another key batter for Pakistan, has scored 211 runs in her last ten matches at an average of 21.1 and a strike rate of 105.5. Her ability to build partnerships is crucial for Pakistan’s success.
- Sadia Iqbal: Sadia Iqbal has been a reliable performer with the ball, taking 13 wickets in her last ten matches with an economy rate of 5.88 and a strike rate of 18.46. Her effective spin bowling can put brakes on the opposition’s scoring rate.
Batters to Watch (Recent Stats)
- Smriti Mandhana, IND-W: 10 M • 268 Runs • 38.29 Avg • 119.11 SR
- Shafali Verma, IND-W: 10 M • 170 Runs • 21.25 Avg • 120.56 SR
- Sidra Amin, PAK-W: 9 M • 248 Runs • 27.56 Avg • 103.76 SR
- Muneeba Ali, PAK-W: 10 M • 211 Runs • 21.1 Avg • 105.5 SR
Bowlers to Watch (Recent Stats)
- Radha Yadav, IND-W: 8 M • 16 Wkts • 5.97 Econ • 10.87 SR
- Pooja Vastrakar, IND-W: 10 M • 16 Wkts • 6.37 Econ • 13.06 SR
- Sadia Iqbal, PAK-W: 10 M • 13 Wkts • 5.88 Econ • 18.46 SR
- Nida Dar, PAK-W: 10 M • 11 Wkts • 7.68 Econ • 19.81 SR
Key Battles
Smriti Mandhana vs Sadia Iqbal
Mandhana’s ability to take on spinners will be tested against the craftiness of Sadia Iqbal. Iqbal’s consistency in delivering economical spells can put pressure on Mandhana to accelerate.
Shafali Verma vs Nida Dar
Shafali’s aggressive approach will be challenged by Nida Dar’s experience and guile. Dar’s variations can trouble Shafali, making this a key contest within the match.
Radha Yadav vs Sidra Amin
Radha’s knack for breaking partnerships will be crucial against Sidra Amin, who has been the backbone of Pakistan’s batting. How Amin handles Radha’s spin could dictate Pakistan’s innings.
Strategic Insights
- India’s Top Order: India’s success heavily relies on the start provided by Mandhana and Shafali. A solid opening partnership can set a platform for the middle order to capitalize on.
- Pakistan’s Bowling: Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Nida Dar and Sadia Iqbal, needs to be on point to restrict India’s strong batting lineup. Early wickets will be key to putting pressure on India.
- Middle Order Stability: Both teams have shown vulnerability in their middle order. Whichever team manages to stabilize their middle overs, especially between the 10th and 15th, could gain a significant advantage.
Conclusion | IND vs PAK Women
The IND vs PAK women clash at the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 promises to be an exciting contest filled with intense rivalry and high stakes. With both teams possessing a mix of experienced campaigners and young talent, the match is expected to be a closely fought encounter. While India holds the upper hand historically, Pakistan’s potential to spring surprises cannot be underestimated. Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await to see which team will emerge victorious in this high-octane match.
As the players prepare to give their best on July 19th in Dambulla, all eyes will be on this thrilling encounter, hoping for a display of top-notch cricket that lives up to the expectations of the IND vs PAK women’s rivalry.
