India overwhelm Pakistan in women's Asia Cup by AFP

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Event:

Women's Asia Cup 2005/06

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DateLine: 3rd January 2006

 

Defending champions India overwhelmed hosts Pakistan for a second time in the Asia Cup women's cricket tournament, with a thumping 10 wicket win at the National stadium here on Monday.

 

India, who will take on Sri Lanka in Wednesday's final, barely worked up a sweat as they knocked down a hapless Pakistan, racing to 95-0 in 17.3 overs after dismissing their opponents for a paltry 94 in 47.5 overs.

 

Medium pacer Devika Palshikar (3-12) and spinner Varsha Raphealnever allowed the hosts to score freely, with only Sana Mir on 27 and Sajida Shah with 16 standing up to the disciplined Indian attack.

 

When India batted, Rumeli Dhar scored an unbeaten 54 with eight boundaries and a six while skipper Mithali Raj hit five boundaries in her unbeaten 38 to see their team through with 32.3 overs to spare.

 

Pakistan, who did not feature in the 2003 Asia Cup, also lost both their matches against Sri Lanka while they were humiliated by a whopping 193-run margin by India in their other league match.

 

Pakistan captain Sana Javed was still optimistic about the progress.

 

"We are newcomers to women's cricket and gained a lot of experience despite losing all four matches," said Sana.

 

Pakistan is hosting its first international women's cricket event after the government of military ruler President Pervez Musharraf began backing women's sports.

 

Last year the conservative Muslim country held its first-ever national cricket and football championships.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)