India routs Pakistan for lowest T20I score as spinners dominate Asia Cup

Pratika Rawal's Costly Drops Mar India's Dominant Asia Cup Performance

India secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, but young wicketkeeper Pratika Rawal's twin lapses in the field emerged as a rare blemish in an otherwise flawless display.

Rawal dropped two straightforward catches off Pakistan opener Muniba Ali during the early overs, handing the batter life on both occasions. The reprieves came at a crucial juncture when Pakistan's openers Muniba Ali and Shawal Zulfikar were building a foundation, having added 27 runs in 4.2 overs before India broke through. Despite the double let-off, Muniba failed to capitalize on the chances, and Pakistan's innings collapsed spectacularly to be bowled out for just 55 runs in 18.1 overs.

India's Spin Quartet Delivers Clinical Performance

The Indian bowling unit, led by spinners Shreyashi Singh, Prerna Rawat and Deepti Sharma, dismantled Pakistan's batting order with surgical precision. Shreyashi Singh claimed three wickets for just seven runs in four overs, while Prerna Rawat matched her figures with 3 for 9 in her quota. Deepti Sharma removed two batters including Pakistan captain Fatima Sana.

After the opening partnership of 27, Pakistan's batting collapsed in alarming fashion, losing their next nine wickets for a mere 28 runs. The total of 55 became Pakistan's lowest score in T20 International cricket, breaking their own previous record of 56.

Handshake Controversy Continues

Before the match began, tension surfaced during the toss when Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana avoided shaking hands. When the two captains came face-to-face at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, both maintained distance from each other. This marked a continuation of India's no-handshake policy with Pakistan that the men's team initiated and the women's side has adopted since April 2025.

When questioned about the snub during the toss, Harmanpreet stated that the team's complete focus remained solely on the game, with players paying no attention to off-field matters.

Chase Completed Despite Early Wobble

Chasing the modest target, India reached 56 for three in 8.4 overs. Shefali Verma provided a brisk start with 12 runs off six balls, while Smriti Mandhana contributed nine runs from 11 deliveries. Pratika Rawal managed only four runs before departing.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma guided India home, with Harmanpreet scoring 18 runs off 18 balls and Deepti remaining unbeaten on 12 off 14 deliveries. For Pakistan, Fatima Sana claimed all three wickets.

The victory extended India's winning streak against Pakistan to five consecutive T20I matches. Pakistan, who won the toss and elected to bat first, has now lost four straight matches against India since October 2022.

India had already qualified for the semi-finals before this encounter, having defeated Thailand and Hong Kong in earlier group matches. The win maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament.