Pakistan continued their impressive run in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, thrashing UAE by a massive 10 wickets in Dambulla on Tuesday. This emphatic win cemented their place in the semi-finals, putting them in a strong position to challenge for the title.
Openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali were the stars of the show for Pakistan. Feroza, riding high on the confidence of a fifty in the previous match, carried her form into this encounter. She struck a fluent 62 not out off just 55 deliveries, her knock peppered with boundaries. Muneeba Ali provided excellent support, scoring an unbeaten 37 off 30 balls. Together, they chased down the modest target of 103 set by UAE in a mere 14.1 overs, showcasing their dominance.
Earlier, Pakistan’s spinners did a phenomenal job of restricting UAE’s batters. Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, and Tuba Hassan shared six wickets between them, stifling UAE’s scoring opportunities. Theertha Satish’s valiant knock of 40 was a lone bright spot for the UAE batting line-up.
This comprehensive victory not only secured Pakistan’s place in the semi-finals but also significantly boosted their net run rate (NRR) to 1.158. With Nepal needing a monumental upset against India later in the day to dislodge them from the second spot in Group A, Pakistan seem almost certain to progress to the knockout stages.
Pakistan’s batting has been a revelation in this tournament. Feroza’s back-to-back fifties and the solidity provided by Muneeba Ali at the top of the order have been crucial factors in their success. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by the spin trio of Sandhu, Iqbal, and Hassan, has also been highly effective.
With their confidence soaring and momentum firmly on their side, Pakistan will be a force to be reckoned with in the semi-finals. They will be eager to continue their winning streak and challenge for the Women’s Asia Cup title.
