‘Important to keep the standards high’: Harmanpreet hails Team India's ‘ruthless’ approach

Dubai: India produced a dominant, all-round performance to thrash arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets in an inconsequential Women’s Asia Cup T20 group stage match on Saturday.

A ruthless performance from the Indian spin quartet—comprising Shree Charani, Prema Rawat, Shafali Verma, and Deepti Sharma—dismantled the Pakistani batting line-up, skittling them out for a paltry 55. The total represents Pakistan’s lowest-ever score in Women’s T20 Internationals. India overhauled the target comfortably in just 8.4 overs.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur expressed delight over the team’s intensity despite having already secured a semi-final spot prior to the fixture.

"It was a very important game for us. We talk about being ruthless, so very happy. All the bowlers have been outstanding, stuck to the plans, read the pitch well and executed well," Harmanpreet said.

She added: "It is very important to keep the standards high. I know what this team brings to the table. As far as losing three wickets is concerned, it can happen. Pakistan have a good bowling attack."

The encounter marked a monumental milestone for Harmanpreet, who became the first cricketer in world history to captain a national side in 150 T20 Internationals. Out of the 228 T20Is played by the Indian women’s team since its inception, she has featured in 205 matches.

"I am grateful. I never thought that I will come this far. Keep supporting. Hope I keep continuing the good work," she remarked on her achievement.

Young spinner Charani starred with the ball, registering brilliant figures of 3 for 7 in her four-over spell. She revealed that advice from the bowling coach to impart more revolutions on the ball helped extract drift and turn.

"Just wanted to bowl to my strengths and according to the field. I just try to give more revs on the ball," Charani said. Nearing 50 T20I wickets, she added: "It is normal. I want to keep up my good work."

Opposing captain Fatima Sana took all three Indian wickets to fall in a spirited spell, but admitted her side’s failure with the bat proved fatal after electing to bat first.

"We had a collapse. It was a fresh wicket and we wanted to put maximum total as we had a good bowling side," Sana explained. Reflecting on her own performance, she added: "It doesn't matter that I got three wickets. We will try to play good cricket in our last game." (PTI)