Kaur & Co top Group A with comprehensive wins against Thailand, Hong Kong
Dubai: India, already through to the semifinals, will look to maintain their winning run when they take on traditional rivals Pakistan in their final league game of the Women’s Asia Cup here on Saturday.
India are the overwhelming favourites against a Pakistan side that needs to improve considerably with the bat to pose a challenge.
The Indians have looked strong in their two matches so far, with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma in good touch at the top of the order. Mandhana smashed a memorable hundred against Hong Kong in the previous game after taking time to assess the surface, while Shafali also settled in before opening up.
Pratika Rawal, Richa Ghosh and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur will be keen to spend more time at the crease after failing to convert their starts.
Rawal, who has enjoyed success in the ODI format, remains under pressure to adapt to the demands of T20 cricket.
India have also found encouragement from Nandni Sharma, who has impressed while opening the bowling with Kranti Gaud.
Pakistan began their campaign with a win over Thailand but lost three wickets in the powerplay before defending 119. Muneeba Ali and captain Fatima Sana will again carry much of the responsibility.
India, runners-up in the previous edition, will look to make their superiority count against a side still chasing a semifinal place.
