Women's WT20 as it happened: Pakistan upset favourites India in rain-hit thriller

We have played them often enough to know we have to put them under pressure from the beginning. Really good to get this tight win at the beginning of the tournament, it’s a morale-boost. Very important win for (Pakistan cricket), going to be a huge impact on the next generation of cricketers: Sana Mir

Pak bowlers stuck to the corridor and backed it up with good fielding. Pressure was on us from beginning after two wickets. Next two games are very crucial since we have lost this one: Mithali Raj

First upset in the women's tournament as Pakistan beat India by 2 runs (D/L score). Just when India had gained some momentum, the rain came!

— Ananya Upendran (@a_upendran11) March 19, 2016

Oh dear, bad news from Delhi! Pakistan have won their match by two runs on Duckworth / Lewis method! Tough luck for Mithali Raj’s side but can’t say Pakistan did not deserve it. Thrilling match comes to an anti-climatic end

Rain sadly robs us of a thrilling conclusion to #IndWvPakW, #PAK sneaking home by 2 runs on DLS method #WT20 pic.twitter.com/MBzRvdhMwY

— ICC (@ICC) March 19, 2016

Just in the nick of time!

#WT20 Women: #Ind v #Pak - The covers are being taken off and the umpires are out in the middle pic.twitter.com/nCB7ktjUvG

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 19, 2016

Seems like we will have a match in Kotla! Tremendous news if true!

Game On at Kotla. The covers are coming off #IndvsPak #WT20 https://t.co/8teVR1Llj9

— Abhimanyu Kulkarni (@SansaniPatrakar) March 19, 2016

#WT20 Women: #Ind v #Pak - The cut off time is 18:50 hrs IST

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 19, 2016

This is bad news!

From Firstpost’s cricket expert and former India women’s team player, Snehal Pradhan

High Drama at the Kotla. Just when India were looking like they were getting a foot hold in the match, Pakistan have been given a lifeline from the heavens. After Sushma Verma, the keeper, missed a run out and an easy stumping, the collected another run out and effected a sensational direct hit off consecutive balls to make up for her earlier follies. This has been a good display of mental strength on her part, making a good comeback. 

Pakistan will be hoping the rain continues, as they are 2 runs ahead on the DL score.

It is pouring down here at Kotla. #Pak Women are 2 runs ahead on D/L #WT20 pic.twitter.com/9ItdYuofpJ

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 19, 2016

It is pouring down here at Kotla. #Pak Women are 2 runs ahead on D/L #WT20 pic.twitter.com/9ItdYuofpJ

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 19, 2016

Oh dear.

Pakistan in front on DL#WWT20#INDvsPAK

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 19, 2016

Rain in Kolkata...Rain in Delhi too. What's happening with #IndvPak today? #WT20

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 19, 2016

Kotla right now. Absolutely bucketing down. Very, very bleak. #Ind #Pak #WT20 pic.twitter.com/NJeF9Jelrs

— Shirin S (@ShirinSadikot) March 19, 2016

NOOOO! It’s raining (pouring) at the Feroz Shah Kotla! Just as India got the momentum back, rain plays spoilsport. And Pakistan are ahead by JUST TWO RUNS on Duckworth Lewis!

OUT & OUT! Two run-outs in one over. Sushma, the ‘keeper, who was struggling (missed a run-out and a stumping) but she responds in style! First collects Smiriti’s throw and then a direct hit to dismiss Sana Mir off the first ball Game on! 

Pakistan are 6 down for 77, need 20 off 24 balls

From Firstpost’s cricket expert and former India women’s team player, Snehal Pradhan

Pakistan have been very positive in the last few overs, they have not let the wickets that fell affect the run rate. It looked like they were coasting, and they still are, but a brilliant catch from Mithali at cover could provide a twist in the tale!

Mithali had been throwing herself around in the field, and this was a sensational catch from her, diving to her right. It came of the bowling off Goswami, who has bowled out. Will India’s remaining bowlers stop Pakistan from a famous win?

7000 people at the Kotla are making some real noise now. Lots of support for Pakistan as well.

OUT! Stunning catch from Mithali Raj at cover. Just as Snehal was talking about her fielding, leading from the front. Jhulan Goswami strikes to remove Iram. 71/4 now. Game on?

After 12 overs, Pakistan Women 66/3

Despite double-strike, Pakistan are still in control with regular boundaries. 16 runs from last 2 overs after the double strike. Three boundaries in those two overs. Getting closer to the target here are the Pakistan women. 31 from 48 balls required

OUT! Wickets in back-to-back overs for India. Harmanpreet Kaur strikes, as Jhulan takes a smart high catch at mid-off! Game back on?

From Firstpost’s cricket expert and former India women’s team player, Snehal Pradhan

At the halfway stage, India have strung a few quiet overs together with disciplined bowling and good fielding. Mithali at cover especially has saved some runs, and is leading by example. The effort has reaped a couple of wickets, and this game is alive again, but Pakistan still in control. 

Smart move by Mithali to bring in part time off spinner Harmanpreet, who replaced leggie Yadav. No doubt she wanted herr to remove the left ahnder Mahroof, and the move paid off. But another left hander , Iram Javed, has come out. 

In their last game , Pakistan won a game that they controlled for 80 % of the innings. Will they get over the line this time?

That was the wicket India desperately needed! Rajeshwari Gayakwad bowls Sidra Ameen for 26. Can India claw their way back?

— Ananya Upendran (@a_upendran11) March 19, 2016

OUT! Just when Pakistan were running away with this, Rajeswari castles Sidra Ameen with a loopy spinner – flight and turn, Sidra’s sweep is past the turn and she is clean bowled. Crucial innings though, 26 off 26. Could be match-winning

From Firstpost’s cricket expert and former India women’s team player, Snehal Pradhan

The first six overs had everything! Poor line and length, a cuts and pulls for four, good fielding, a wicket, good carry from Goswami and a run out chance. 

Even though a wicket has fallen, Pakistan are placed well ahead. 16 runs off the first 2 overs gave them a flying start, and India have their work cut out. In a game where the required run rate is under five, Pak are going at more than six.

After 6 overs, Pakistan 35/1

India are beginning to lose their grip on the game. Shikha’s 2nd over was a disaster, with 11 runs off it including two fours (one of a misfield). Would have been so different had India made use of a golden runout opportunity of the very first ball. Then Jhulan concedes 8 as Pakistan make 39/1 after 6 overs – India were 7/2 in contrast!

Pakistan, after a bright start, have been pegged back. First Shikha struck in the 3rd over, last ball to remove Nahida. Jhulan follows that up with a one-run over, with some nice carry. It’s getting interesting.

Nice carry for Jhulan Goswami, on a slow pitch. First impression: surprisingly, pace is working well here

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 19, 2016

India bowlers definitely under pressure here. Not the start that was required. So often spinners are used early in a low scoring game.

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 19, 2016

Two boundaries in the first over from Anuja, one from the 2nd over from Rajeswari. India cannot afford this start!

#Ind 10/2 after 7 overs#Pak 9/0 after 1st over#IndvsPak#WT20

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 19, 2016

From Firstpost’s cricket expert and former India women’s team player, Snehal Pradhan

The last five overs were like a replay of the same action: step out, hit hard to long off/long on, single.  Just one six and one 4 in the last 5 overs. 

That being said, this needs a super effort from Pakistan to win. They have struggled to reach 100 in the last year, and are a batter down, as Javeria got injured in the previous match.

Classic India-Pak match on the cards

OUT! Anuja Patil is run out. India 80/6 after 18 overs. Can they reach 100?

Good=120
Deffendable = 100
Pak have struggled to cross 100 in the last year, plus without Javeria Khan https://t.co/b5X1s5WDiC

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 19, 2016

OUT! Big wicket, Veda who was looking in touch, hits it straight back to the bowler trying to up the ante further. India 75/5 after 17 overs. Jhulan throwing her bat around now.

Veda is playing a nice, much-needed cameo for INDIA, moves on to 23 off 17 with a few meaty blows! 

Finally a big over! 14 from it! Veda playing a gem here#INDvsPAK#WWT20

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 19, 2016

From Firstpost’s cricket expert and former India women’s team player, Snehal Pradhan

Mithali Raj scored 16 off 35 before holing out off a full toss. Veda came in and looked to attack, and Harmanpreet also tried to shift gears. But there have been no big overs, and the score is still not enough to defend. That caused Harmanpreet to perish, she had no option but to hit the ball hard, because her strike rate was around 55. 

Its down to Veda and Goswami now

OUT! This is now a crisis. Harmanpreet is gone for 16, playing a shot that fetched her big success in the match against Bangladesh – lofted straight drive. Big wicket. 49/4 in the 15th over and Pakistan are well and truly on top.

Meanwhile at Eden Gardens.. #BadNews

The scene at Eden Gardens currently as the clouds overhead threaten rain ☔ Hopefully clearing up soon #INDvPAK #WT20 pic.twitter.com/GFlidmOXro

— ICC (@ICC) March 19, 2016

This could be a good thing. Lots of batting in the tank, and they can play like a 10 over game. #INDvsPAK #Freshlegs

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 19, 2016

OUT! Mithali Raj’s struggle in the middle comes to an end, as she falls for 16 off 35 balls. Hits a full toss to deep mid wicket. Such a soft dismissal. India are 37/3 after 12 overs

From Firstpost’s cricket expert and former India women’s team player, Snehal Pradhan

Mithali showing some signs of aggression, but Harmanpreet was on 1 off 16 before an inside edge four. Only 2 boundaries in the first 10 overs, and India will need to bat out of their skins to get a defendable total. Some signs of aggression and smart running between wickets can be seen though.  

Pakistan’s fielding meanwhile has been really good. The bowlers have stuck to a good length and to one side of the wicket as well.

After 10 overs India 27/2 (Mithali 13, Harmanpreet 7)

Great bowling from #PAK women. Have tied #IND into knots. 17/2 in 8 overs. #INDWvPAKW #WWT20

— Angikaar Choudhury (@AngikaarC) March 19, 2016

Mithali shows first signs of that aggression, playing a lofted inside out drive for the  first four of the day in the eighth over.

This game will be a test for India's new aggressive attitude. Will they persist with aggression at all costs like the England mens team do?

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 19, 2016

India yet to hit a shot in anger…. No boundaries so far!

India fianlly into double figures in the seventh over. What a contrast from the last game. Oh the glorious uncertainties of sport #INDvsPAK

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 19, 2016

From Firstpost’s cricket expert and former India women’s team player, Snehal Pradhan

Pakistan have owned the powerplay, this may well be a record low score in the power play. Vanita’s role was to take risks, so her aggression was well justified, but Smriti Mandhana’s second consecutive failure has hurt India. Pakistan have taken pace off the ball even through the medium pace of Asmavia Iqbal. This is a ridiculously low score for the powerplay, and India have not been able to find the boundaries. Some singles needed here!

India struggling at 7/2 after 6 overs (Mithali 6, Harmanpreet 0)

Fair to say Pakistan have owned the powerplay. But in India’s favour, both Harmanpreet and Mithali can up the ante and play the big shots.

Serious trouble now! Mandhana falls early again.. need a partnership here.

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 19, 2016

OUT! Oh dear, the start gets worse. In-form Smriti Mandhana fails for the second match in a row. Trapped in front, playing across the line to Asmavia who has been getting good seam movement

Sensational start for Pakistan here. Pace off the ball working, Vanita losing her shape and payin the price #INDvsPAk #WWT20

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 19, 2016

OUT! Not a good start for India. Vanitha falls in the 3rd over, trying to up the ante. She stepped down the track, the ball seemed to stop on her and she hit it straight to Sana Mir at midwicket. 4/1 after 3 overs

After 2 overs India 3/0

Sedate start for India. Early scare too as Vanitha makes it to the crease in time after a hesitant single. Indian batters unable to find gaps, finding fielders instead.

Good to see a decent crowd in today for the #WWT20 #INDvsPAK game. There were max 200 people for #AUSvsSA last night.

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 19, 2016

On that note, we are underway.. Pakistan with spin straight away…

Snehal Pradhan, summed it up perfectly in her preview:

The fact that the game is televised, and comes before the mouth-watering India versus Pakistan men’s game in Kolkata, will add both interest and context. The 19th of March, 2016, is not just a Saturday, it is not just any other holiday. It is India vs Pakistan day, and the Bajrangi Bhaijaan recipe is likely to work wonders again.

At the toss, Sana Mir thanked fans for all the messages for Javeria.

For those who did not know, Javeria had collapsed and had to be stretchered off the ground and there were moments of concern. Fortunately, hospital reports indicated it was just a bruised jaw after the ball ricocheted off her right thumb. Her thumb though, was fractured, and she has been ruled out of the tournament.

INDw XI: M Raj, V Vanitha, S Mandhana, H Kaur, V Krishnamurthy, A Patil, J Goswami, S Pandey, S Verma, P Yadav, R Gayakwad

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 19, 2016

PAKw XI: S Ameen, Nahida Khan, B Maroof, M Ali, I Javed, A Iqbal, S Mir, N Dar, S Nawaz, A Amin, S Yousuf

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 19, 2016

Anuja Patil, Shikha Pandey, Rajeshwari Gayakwad rolling their arm over ahead of the match vs. #Pak #WT20 pic.twitter.com/CBZtS3ippx

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 19, 2016

Pakistan won the toss and have opted to field

India come into the match on the back of a convincing win against Bangladesh in the opener. Mithal and Co put up their highest T20I total, thanks to some aggressive batting from Mithali, Veda, and Harmanpreet.

Pakistani spinners though will be looking forward to exploit any spin on offer at the Kotla, and strangle India the way they did the West Indies. Left-arm spinner Anam Amin took four wickets and the player of the match trophy in the last game, while opening the bowling. Though her effort was not enough to secure Pakistan a victory, she will be the key to the team’s fortunes against India.

(From Snehal Pradhan’s preview)

The players are out warming up. Match starts at 1530 IST

#Ind Women are warming-up before the #WT20 match against #Pak at Kotla pic.twitter.com/RKUCTUUm9v

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 19, 2016

Firstpost writer and former cricketer sums up what’s in store for us perfectly in this one tweet!

"Today is not just a Saturday. Today is not just a holiday. Today is India Pakistan day." https://t.co/l7JIKQ4MtH pic.twitter.com/AOIRczhNNX

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 19, 2016

Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s live coverage of India vs Pakistan – first of the double-header on Saturday as the women’s teams square off in Delhi before the blockbuster event at Eden Gardens later.