The Indian women’s team beat Pakistan by 17 runs in Bangkok on Sunday to lift its sixth straight T20 Asia Cup. After electing to bat first, Mithali Raj (73 from 65 balls) led the way for the Indians to get to a fighting total of 121/5. Pakistan struggled against the Indian spinners, scoring 102/6 from their quota of overs.
Despite not getting support from her teammates, Mithali Raj was at her fluent best, continuing her good form in the tournament to bring up the tournament’s highest score. A couple of big hits from Jhulan Goswami got India to a competitive total.
Pakistan openers Ayesha Zafar and Javeria Khan started well and kept up with the required run rate, but India fought back with Goswami and Ekta Bisht removing them in quick succession.
Pakistan was still in the hunt when Khan and skipper Bismah Maroof were going strong. However, India wrestled momentum back through spinners Anuja Patil and Preeti Bose to stifle Pakistan on their way to the title.
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