DUBAI: India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in a one-sided Group A clash of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, chasing down a modest target of 56 runs inside the ninth over.
India reached the target for the loss of three wickets, maintaining their impressive run in the tournament. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur top-scored with 18 runs, while Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma contributed 12 runs each. Smriti Mandhana scored nine, while Pratika Rawal added four.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was the only bowler to make a significant impact, claiming all three Indian wickets.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, but the decision failed to produce the desired result as their batting lineup struggled throughout the innings.
Pakistan were bowled out for just 55 runs before completing their allotted overs. Muneeba Ali was among the few batters to reach double figures, scoring 13 before being dismissed when Pakistan had 27 runs on the board.
Gull Feroza departed without scoring, while opening batter Shawaal Zulfiqar made 14 before falling with the total at 32. After her dismissal, Pakistan lost wickets in quick succession.
Ayesha Zafar scored two, Sadaf Shamas made three, while Fatima Sana was dismissed without scoring. Eman Fatima added five runs, Umm-e-Hani contributed six, and Nashra Sundhu also departed without troubling the scorers.
India’s bowling attack kept Pakistan under constant pressure. Shree Charani and Prema Rawat claimed three wickets each, while Deepti Sharma took two wickets and Shafali Verma picked up one.
The disciplined Indian bowling performance ensured Pakistan never established a meaningful partnership and eventually ended their innings on 55.
India Maintain Strong Asia Cup Form
The victory further strengthened India’s position at the top of Group A. India had already defeated Thailand by 94 runs and Hong Kong by 137 runs in their opening matches.
Pakistan, meanwhile, had entered the contest after defeating Thailand by 35 runs in their only previous match.
Ahead of the high-profile clash, Deepti Sharma had described India as a balanced side and said the team would focus on its own strengths rather than being overly concerned about the opposition. She also praised Pakistan’s spin attack, particularly Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Yousuf.
The latest result further extended India’s advantage in the T20 international record between the two sides. India and Pakistan have now faced each other 17 times, with India winning 14 matches and Pakistan securing three victories.
