On Sunday, Pooja Vastrakar and Rajeshwari Gayakwad were outstanding for Team India in their ICC World Cup 2022 opening against Bismah Maroof's Pakistan at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval venue.
Digital Desk: In the opening match of the 2022 ICC Women's ODI World Cup, India defeated Pakistan by 108 runs. India's unbeaten record against Pakistan under the format now stands at 11 games.
India produced 244/7 thanks to half-centuries from Pooja Vastrakar (67 off 59), Sneh Rana (53 not out off 48), and Smriti Mandhana (52 off 75), but Pakistan's pursuit never got off the ground, with opener Sidra Ameen top-scoring with 30.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad took 4/31, and Jhulan Goswami and Sneh Rana took two wickets as they were knocked out for 137.
After a significant middle-order collapse, India won the toss and opted to bat first, with three players scoring half-centuries to reach the side reach 244/7.
India got off to a bad start when opener Shafali Verma (0) was bowled in the third over by Pakistani seamer Diana Baig. On the other hand, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma put on a 92-run second-wicket stand to help India lay a solid platform.
Things were looking up for India until Nashra Sandhu overlooked Deepti in the 22nd over, which allowed Pakistan to mount a strong comeback.
To unsettle the Indian innings, Pakistan captured five quick wickets: Deepti Sharma (40), Smriti Mandhana (52), Harmanpreet Kaur (5), Richa Ghosh (1), and Mithali Raj (9)
India was in serious trouble at 114/6 in 33.1 overs, with plenty of work.
Pooja Vastrakar (67) and Sneh Rana (53 not out) put on a game-changing 122-run seventh-wicket stand to resurrect India. India was rescued by the duo, who led their team to a competitive score of 244/7 in 50 overs.
Also Read: Cyberattack: Internet users go offline in Europe after the Russian invasion in Ukraine- Report
