With Gull Feroza’s back to back half centuries, Pakistan clinched a dominant 10 wicket win over UAE in the final Group A match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 in Dambulla. Pakistan’s bowlers, including Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, and Tuba Hassan, each took two wickets to limit UAE to 103 runs, despite Theertha Satish’s solid 40.

Pakistan’s openers chased down the target in just 14.1 overs, boosting their net run rate from +0.497 to 1.158. Unless Nepal pulls off a huge upset against India later, Pakistan is likely to move on to the knockout stages.

UAE innings

Slow start in powerplay

UAE captain Esha Oza started strong with a boundary on her first ball, but the openers faced many dot balls, which hurt their progress. They did manage a boundary each over, except in Sadia Iqbal’s two overs, but also had 25 dot balls, which worked in Pakistan’s favor.

Pakistan bowlers shine in middle overs

UAE increased their scoring rate to 6 runs per over during the middle overs, but frequent wickets slowed their progress. Nashra Sandhu took two quick wickets, including UAE’s captain. Skipper Nida Dar and leg-spinner Tuba Hassan also picked up crucial wickets, including a key dismissal of UAE’s opener, who missed a half-century by 10 runs.

More wickets in the final overs

UAE’s attempt to accelerate in the final overs resulted in more wickets falling. Sadia Iqbal removed both set batters in her last two overs, ending with figures of 2-11. New batter Samaira Dharnidharka narrowly escaped a run-out but was out on the next ball, giving Tuba her second wicket. A few singles in the final over pushed UAE’s total to 103, but it was not enough to challenge Pakistan.

Pakistan innings

Early luck in powerplay

Pakistan’s openers enjoyed some luck. Feroza was dropped on the first ball but capitalized with frequent boundaries. Mubeena Ali, her opening partner, also survived a questionable stumping call, with the TV umpire ruling it not out despite clear evidence of her feet being outside the crease.

Feroza’s Fifty seals the win

Feroza’s confidence from her previous innings showed as she scored another fifty, finishing with 62 not out off 55 balls. Mubeena Ali supported with a solid 37 not out from 30 balls. Mubeena hit the winning runs on the first ball of the 15th over, securing the victory for Pakistan.

Player of the Match (Gul Feroza):

“Just enjoying my game. The plan is to get success. I take confidence [from the fifty in the last game]. It was an easy score, so I tried my level best.”