In their opening match of the T20 World Cup, India is facing off against Pakistan, who have set a target of 149/4. Bismah Maroof showcased her skills with an unbeaten 68 runs from 55 balls, while Ayesha Naseem also played an impressive inning of 43 runs from just 25 balls, finishing strong with some explosive hitting.
India’s lacklustre fielding allowed Naseem to have a standout performance, as the Indian fielders missed two chances to dismiss her in the final overs, resulting in Pakistan’s highest T20I score against India.
The opportunity for a crucial catch presented itself in the 18th over of the innings when Rajeshwari Gayakwad bowled a floating delivery to the batter, who attempted to hit it straight down the ground.
The ball made contact with the bottom of the bat and appeared to be a routine catch for Radha Yadav stationed at long-off. Radha positioned herself well under the ball, but to the surprise of everyone, she dropped the catch, which should have been a simple take.
With Naseem now in an aggressive mindset, she presented another opportunity for India in the following over. On the second ball of Deepti Sharma’s over, Naseem hit a lofted shot outside off stump against a flighted ball. Harleen Deol was stationed in the deep, but Naseem failed to hit the ball far enough to clear the ropes.
As the ball was in the air, Harleen had the chance to make a catch near the boundary line, but she misjudged her jump and allowed the ball to slip over the ropes, giving the opposition six runs.
The spectators took note of India’s poor fielding, which allowed Naseem to play an aggressive inning during the final overs, and they criticized the team for this blunder.