The Indian women's team enjoyed a convincing 7-wicket win over Pakistan in their opening T20 World Cup match held at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. India chased down the 150-run target thanks to an impressive unbeaten 58-run fourth-wicket partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues (53*) and Richa Ghosh (31*). On the other hand, the Pakistani pace attack failed to create enough pressure, resulting in a disappointing outing for the bowlers.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan stumbled early when Javeria Khan was dismissed for 8. Muneeba Ali and Bismah Maroof attempted to stabilize the innings, but Radha Yadav intervened in the 7th over to get Muneeba out for 12. The pressure mounted further in the following over when Pooja Vastrakar sent Nida Dar back to the pavilion without scoring a single run.
Radha continued her spell by removing Sidra Ameen for 11, putting Pakistan in a precarious position at 68/4. However, a dynamic 81-run partnership between Maroof and Ayesha Naseem rescued the innings, lifting the total to 149/4 after 20 overs. The captain, Bismah Maroof, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 68, while Naseem provided the fireworks with a brisk 43 off just 25 deliveries.
India's chase began steadily, with 38 runs on the board after 5.2 overs. Sadia Iqbal gave Pakistan their first breakthrough by dismissing Yastika Bhatia for 17. Shafali Verma provided a vital spark at the top with 33 runs before being caught by Nashra Sandhu. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur started promisingly but was dismissed for 16. Ultimately, the synergy between Rodrigues and Ghosh kept the scoreboard ticking and kept the Pakistani bowlers under pressure throughout. India is scheduled to face the West Indies on February 15.