Opener Smriti Mandhana slammed an unbeaten 63 as India comprehensively defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in their second Group A match of Commonwealth Games 2022 at Edgbaston. After India’s bowlers, led by off-spinner Sneh Rana (2-15) and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav (2-18), put out an impressive show to bowl out Pakistan for just 99 in an 18-overs a side affair, Smriti dished out a magnificent knock and played shots which oozed class and delight in equal measure to chase down the total with 38 balls remaining.
The eight-wicket win against Pakistan, after a three-wicket defeat to Australia in the opening match, means that India keeps their semi-final hopes alive and are on top of the table with their net run rate jumping from -0.56 to 1.17. Smriti gave India an attacking start by slog-sweeping Anam Amin for six and followed it up by dancing down the pitch to loft over bowler’s head for four. Smriti’s elegant Sunday extended by using her crease and feet very well to hit Diana Baig for three boundaries, with her bisecting backward point and short third man being the standout.