Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table: Updated standings after India vs Pakistan match
The Indian women's team opened their account in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup with a six-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, October 6. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side are now fourth in the Group A points table with a net run-rate of -1.217.
India were in need of a win after kickstarting their campaign with a tame loss to New Zealand. Apart from the lack of points, the defeat also damaged their net run-rate to a great extent, making the encounter against Pakistan a must-win contest.
Pakistan had elected to bat first and were immediately put under pressure by India. Renuka Singh Thakur's early strike coupled with the spinners playing their role to perfection made life difficult for Fatima Sana and Co.
Nida Dar top-scored with 28 runs but the rest of the batters failed to make an impact as the team ended with 105-8 at the end of the first innings.
In response, India had a dull start, with both openers struggling to have a say at the crease. Mandhana's painful stay came to an end in the fifth over as Jemimah Rodrigues was restored back to the No. 3 spot ahead of Harmanpreet Kaur.
Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues shared an important partnership to repair the innings. Securing the points was seen as the priority over the net run-rate as India took their time in the run chase.
They endured a minor scare after losing Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh off consecutive deliveries towards the end, but the experienced duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma guided India across the line. Chasing the total down with 1.1 overs to spare improves India's net run-rate from -2.900 to -1.217.
After beginning the tournament with a win over Sri Lanka, Pakistan are now third in the points table, with their net run-rate now reading +0.555 after their loss to India.
India to face Sri Lanka on October 9 in Dubai
Although the win over Pakistan does not help their net run-rate cause, it gives them momentum and hope to work with. The Women in Blue are next scheduled to face Sri Lanka on Wednesday, October 9, at the same venue.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will face Australia on Friday, October 11, in Dubai.