Title contenders India saw off Pakistan by seven wickets in their Women’s T20 Asia Cup opener here on Friday.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan were bowled out for 108 with experienced spinner Deepti Sharma (3/20) emerging as the most successful bowler.
Renuka Singh (2/14) and Pooja Vastrakar (2/31) also chipped in with wickets at crucial juncture to keep Pakistan on a tight leash through their innings.
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana’s breezy 85-run opening stand then ensured India chased the target down comfortably, in 14.1 overs.
India now have a 6-1 win-loss record against Pakistan in this competition, and a 12-3 record in T20Is overall.
With Renuka back in the XI, India bowled five overs of pace in the powerplay.
Brief scores: Pakistan Women: 108 all out in 19.2 overs (Sidra Amin 25, Fatima Sana 22 not out; Deepti Sharma 3/20, Renuka Singh 2/14, Pooja Vastrakar 2/31). India Women: 109/3 in 14.1 overs (Smriti Mandhana 45, Shafali Verma 40). India win by 7 wickets.