Cape Town: An unbeaten half-century by Jemimah Rodrigues helped India defeat Pakistan by seven wickets, in their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign opener, at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 150 runs, India reached 151 for three, courtesy of an unbeaten knock of 53 runs off 38 balls by Jemimah Rodrigues, packed with eight fours.

Richa Ghosh also clobbered an unbeatean knock of 31 runs off 20 balls, including five fours, setting up a match-winning partnership with Jemimah. Nashra Sandhu took two wickets for Pakistan, and Sadia Iqbal bagged a dismissal.

Initially, Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof won the toss and opted to bat. The Pakistan captain smacked an unbeaten knock of 68 runs off 55 balls, hitting seven fours, as her side posted 149 for four in 20 overs.

Ayesha Naseem also registered an unbeaten knock of 43 runs off 25 deliveries, packed with two fours and two sixes. Radha Yadav proved to be crucial for India’s bowling department, taking two wickets. Meanwhile, Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar bagged a dismissal each

KR Desk