Women's Asia Cup: Pakistan shock India for first T20 win over arch-rivals since 2016
Sylhet (PTI): Indian batters bungled badly in a straightforward chase as Pakistan recorded their first win over the arch-rivals in six years with a 13-run victory in the Women's Asia Cup, here on Friday.
India, the most formidable team in Asia by some distance, batted poorly to be all out for 124 in 19.4 overs after Pakistan posted a modest 137 for six. Pakistan scripted a remarkable turnaround less than 24 hours after their shock loss over Thailand.
At 65 for five, India were in all sorts of trouble with the majority of the batters including star player Smriti Mandhana (17 off 19) throwing their wickets away. Prior to this game, India enjoyed a 10-2 record over Pakistan whose previous win over the arch-rivals came way back in the 2016 T20 World Cup in New Delhi.
Pooja Vastrakar got herself run out after attempting a run off a misfield while Dayalan Hemalatha (20 off 22) let her team down after not capitalizing on a start. Questions were raised over Harmanpreet Kaur's fitness as she came into bat at number seven before perishing cheaply.
"I think in the middle we were trying to give other batters a chance. That cost us today. It was a chaseable target. In the middle overs, we were not able to rotate the strike," a dejected Harmanpreet said after the match. With India needing 61 off the last six overs, Pakistan were the favorites to pull off an unexpected win.
Richa Ghosh (26 off 13), who had been taken off the field in Pakistan's innings after suffering a heat stroke, brought India back into the game with three sixes against the spinners before getting caught in the deep in the 19th over. Her dismissal effectively ended all of India's hopes.
Earlier, Pakistan, who were shocked by Thailand on Thursday, put in an improved batting performance against the Indians but it still seemed below par.
Nida Dar (56 not out off 37 balls) and skipper Bismah Maroof (32 off 35) shared a crucial 76-run stand off 58 balls to give the innings a much-needed move on. Dar was the pick of Pakistan batters as she used her feet well, especially against the spinners, to get the big hits.
Off-spinner Deepti Sharma (3/27) stood out among India's bowlers with the best figures. She was not afraid to give some loop to the ball, helping her deceive Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali (17) which resulted in getting stumps.
Omaima Sohil fell two balls later as she was found trapped in front of the stumps while attempting a sweep.
Bismah got lucky on 8 with the umpire turning down Rajeshwari Gayakwad's appeal for what appeared a clear lbw dismissal.
Pakistan reached 61 for three in 10 overs. Dar then gave the innings some momentum as she stepped out to smashed Hemalatha for a four and straight six in a 15-run over.
Indian fielding was found wanting on more than one occasion with substitute Shafali Verma missing an easy stumping chance.
Brief Score: Pakistan 137/6 in 20 overs (Nidar Dar 56 not out, Bismah Maroof 32; Deepti Sharma 3/27). India in 20 overs (Richa Ghosh 26; Nida 2/32).
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AIITA welcomes Karnataka’s ban on obscene songs in school events
Bhatkal: The Karnataka unit of the All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) has welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to strictly ban school children from dancing to obscene songs during educational and cultural programmes in government, aided, and private schools across the state.
AIITA Karnataka State President M. R. Manvi congratulated the government for taking what he termed an important step to preserve the sanctity of education.
“Such decisions to safeguard the dignity of school children and uphold the values of education are the need of the hour. This rule should not be limited to government schools alone but must be strictly implemented in all private educational institutions as well,” he said.
He further urged the government to address other concerns within school programmes.
“The government should not only prohibit obscene dances in the name of school anniversaries, but also ensure that plays and dialogues that incite religious hatred are avoided. Schools should be centres of harmony, not platforms for spreading hatred,” he added.
According to a recent circular issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, obscene dances are adversely affecting the mental health and moral values of students.
In this regard, schools have been advised to use songs that promote nationalism, positive thinking, the greatness of Kannada culture, and value-based traditions instead of inappropriate content during programmes.
The circular also emphasises that students should be dressed in decent attire.
AIITA also backed the department’s warning that disciplinary action would be taken against head teachers if such guidelines are violated. The association has further demanded that district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction strictly monitor the implementation of these rules.
