2024 Women’s Asia Cup Points Table: Pakistan Demolish Nepal With 9-Wicket Win

After the loss to India in the opening game, the Pakistan women’s team finally made its mark on the points table, securing a dominant nine-wicket victory over Nepal in their second group-stage game of the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a modest target, the Girls in Green reached the required total in just 11.5 overs, thanks to an impressive 105-run opening stand between Gul Feroza and Muneeba Ali. Feroza, who notched up her maiden T20I half-century, scored a blistering 57 off 35 balls, including 10 boundaries. Muneeba Ali remained unbeaten on 46 from 34 balls, hitting eight fours to seal the victory.

Opting to bowl first, Pakistan put Nepal under immediate pressure. Fatima Sana struck in the first over, dismissing Samjhana Khadka for 4. Despite a brief recovery from Sita Rana Magar and Kabita Kunwar, Nepal’s innings faltered with two quick wickets on the 30th run. Sadia Iqbal claimed both Kunwar (13) and Nepal’s captain Indu Barma for a duck, tightening Pakistan’s grip on the match.

The pace of Nepal’s innings slowed further with the dismissal of Rubina Chhetry in the 10th over and Sita Rana Magar, who top-scored with a 30-ball 26, falling in the 15th over. Late contributions from Kabita Joshi and Puja Mahato, who scored 31* off 23 balls and 25 respectively, helped Nepal reach 108/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Sadia Iqbal was the standout bowler for Pakistan, finishing with figures of 2/19.

In another Group A match, India continued their dominance with a commanding 78-run win over the UAE. Opting to bat first, India posted a formidable 201/5 in 20 overs. Smriti Mandhana was the first wicket to fall for 13 off 9 balls. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur top-scored with a composed 66 off 47 balls, which included seven fours and a six.

Here is the Group A points table after Pakistan and India’s wins at the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup: