India's Bowlers Dominant in Asia Cup Opener, Restrict Pakistan to 108

India's women cricket team, powered by impressive performances from Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh, started their Asia Cup campaign with a bang, bowling out Pakistan for a mere 108 runs at Dambulla. India requires 109 runs to secure a win in their title defence opener.

India's women's cricket team commenced their Asia Cup campaign on a high note, utilizing stellar bowling performances from Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh to dismiss Pakistan for just 108 runs in 19.2 overs in Dambulla on Friday. India will chase 109 runs to begin their title defence with a win.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan faced early setbacks. Pooja Vastrakar struck in the second over, dismissing Gull Ferokha for five runs, courtesy of a fine catch by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. Pakistan stood at 9/1 in 1.4 overs. Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen attempted to counter-attack but could not sustain the momentum as Vastrakar secured her second wicket with Jemimah Rodrigues taking a crucial catch. Muneeba fell for 11 runs, leaving Pakistan at 26/2 in 3.5 overs.

Ameen and Aliya Riaz briefly stabilized the innings during the powerplay, finishing at 37/2. Spinner Shreyanka Patil soon disrupted their partnership, with Jemimah claiming another catch to dismiss Riaz for six. By 7.5 overs, Pakistan had crumbled to 41/3.

Ameen's reverse sweep brought Pakistan to 50 in 9.2 overs. By the innings midpoint, Pakistan was 53/3, struggling against the Indian bowling attack. Deepti Sharma then removed skipper Nida Dar for eight, and Renuka Singh dismissed Ameen, caught by Radha Yadav, for 25. Pakistan further collapsed to 61/6 in 13 overs.

Fatima Sana and Tuba Hassan offered brief resistance with a 20-run partnership, but Deepti broke through, dismissing Tuba for 22. In a highly productive over, Pakistan slumped to 94/8, with Deepti claiming her third wicket. Fatima hit a six, pushing Pakistan past 100, but Shreyanka ended the innings by dismissing Sadia Iqbal. Pakistan was all out for 108 in 19.2 overs, with Deepti (3/20), Renuka (2/14), Shreyanka (2/14), and Pooja (2/31) shining for India.

(With inputs from agencies.)