Pakistan Skipper Nida Dar Pinpoints Powerplay Errors in Women's Asia Cup Loss to India

Following a defeat against India in the Women's Asia Cup 2024, Pakistan skipper Nida Dar cited powerplay struggles as the main reason for their loss. India's openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, led their team to a decisive victory by seven wickets at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

Trailing in the Women's Asia Cup 2024, Pakistan's skipper Nida Dar attributed their loss to powerplay mishaps against arch-rivals India. India's openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma delivered stellar batting performances, securing a smooth seven-wicket victory in the second match held at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

The 37-year-old veteran Dar emphasized the importance of winning the powerplay to dictate the game's outcome. 'The difference was the two powerplays; that's where we lost. Our batting struggled, but the bowling unit performed well. We need to regroup and strategize better for the upcoming matches,' she stated during the post-match presentation.

Following Pakistan's decision to bat first, their lineup faltered with regular wicket losses despite notable efforts from Sidra Ameen, Tuba Hassan, and Fatima Sana. India's bowling attack, led by Deepti Sharma and supported by Shreyanka Patil and Renuka Singh, proved too formidable. In the run chase, India capitalized on a strong opening partnership between Shafali Varma and Smriti Mandhana, ultimately achieving a comfortable win with wickets and balls to spare.

(With inputs from agencies.)