Pakistan will take on India on Saturday in an important group stage match of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, with India entering the competition having already secured their place in the semi-finals.
India won both of their opening matches while Pakistan played only once and had another group game against Hong Kong after Saturday’s meeting. As a result, the outcome of the match against India may not ultimately determine Pakistan’s qualifying prospects.
The batting departments of both teams are expected to come under scrutiny. India have produced an impressive performance in their first two games, although their middle order has shown some vulnerability.
During the match against Thailand, the Indian line-up lost eight wickets for just 46 runs after their openers provided a good start. Smriti Mandhana was India’s highest run-scorer of the tournament with 143 runs, while Shafali Verma scored 92 runs.
Pakistan also faced difficulties with the bat against Thailand. However, Sadaf Shams and Muneeba Ali have shown positive attacking form during the team’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, giving some optimism ahead of the high-profile encounter.
Pakistan have managed just one T20 win against India in the history of the Asia Cup. Another win on Saturday will not only improve that record but could provide a significant boost as Pakistan battles for a playoff spot.