Pakistan start Women’s Asia Cup campaign with thumping win:
Pakistan, on Sunday, October 2, began their campaign in the Women’s Asia Cup 2022 with a reverberating nine-wicket win over Malaysia at Sylhet International Stadium.
In the wake of being put in to bat first, Malaysia were reduced to 16/2 in the powerplay, after which Pakistan’s bowlers didn’t allow them to get back into the game.
Emerging star Tuba Hassan was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-13-2. The Young Turk also won the Player of the Match award. Off-spinner Omaima Sohail got two wickets for the women in green.
Quick bowler Diana Baig and left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal took one wicket each. Elsa Hunter was the standout for Malaysia after she remained unbeaten on 29 off 51 balls with three fours. Malaysia heaved and puffed to 57/9 in 20 overs.
Pakistan got off to a brisk start in their chase after left-hander Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen put on 45 for the opening wicket off six overs. Sidra Ameen was the more attacking of the two as she scored 31 off 23 with five fours.
Mahirah Izzati Ismail dismissed her, but Malaysia’s fate was already written.Muneeba remained unbeaten on 21 off 23 with three fours. Captain Bismah Maroof came in and hit a four to polish off proceedings.
For Malaysia, right-arm Sasha Azmi bowled 4 overs and conceded just 18 runs. Pakistan chased down the target with 66 balls to spare.
Pakistan will next face Nigar Sultana Joty’s Bangladesh on Monday, October 3.