Watch: Sidra Ameen claimed a stunning, perfectly judged catch on the boundary rope as Pakistan pushed India hard in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
India came into the game as heavy favourites, but a resilient performance from Pakistan with the ball and a determined effort in the field gave them hope.
It was Ameen’s dismissal, off the first ball of the 13th over, that seemingly confirmed India’s dominance. At that point, Pakistan were 68-4, scoring at well under a run a ball, and seemingly headed for a below-par total.
However, Bismah Maroof (68* off 44) played a captain’s knock, while Ayeesha Naseem (43* off 25) displayed the exuberance of youth, and the two combined for a game-changing fifth wicket stand of 81 runs in 7.5 overs. The former stroked seven boundaries, while the latter managed two fours and two sixes.
Defending a target of 150, Pakistan battled hard, restricting the scoring rate early on. It took until the sixth over for the first wicket to fall, Yastika Bhatia chipping to cover for 17, but the scoring rate was only just over a run a ball, with the required rate mounting.
Shafali Verma continued to score freely, but her dismissal turned the contest. With India 65-1 after nine overs, she looked to loft Nashra Sandhu down the ground for six, and made good connection. But Ameen had other ideas, positioning herself perfectly on the boundary, stretching over the rope and claiming a special catch, maintaining her balance to ensure the dismissal stood.
However, a half-century stand between Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh guided India to victory.
