SYLHET: Pakistan got off the mark in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup with a nine-wicket win over Malaysia at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan achieved the modest 58-run target in just nine overs after openers Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali combined for 45 runs. Sidra smashed 31 before falling to Mahirah Izzati Ismail on the final delivery of the powerplay. The right-hander hit five fours in the 23-ball knock.

Muneeba, on the other hand, returned unbeaten on 21 off 23 balls. The left-hander struck three boundaries in her innings, while helping Pakistan over the line along with captain Bismah Maroof (8).

Pakistan had put Malaysia in to bat after winning the toss in overcast conditions and got the first breakthrough as early as on the second ball when pacer Diana Baig got Malaysia captain Winifred Duraisingam for nought.

However, it were the Pakistan spinners who hurt Malaysia. Omaima Sohail (3-19), Sadia Iqbal (1-8) and Tuba Hasan (2-13) shared six wickets between them.

Malaysia’s Elsa Hunter unbeaten 29 off 51, was the team’s best batter as they posted 57-9. Pakistan take on defending champions Bangladesh on Monday.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan beat Malaysia by nine wickets

MALAYSIA 57-9 in 20 overs (Elsa Huner 29 not out; Omaima Sohail 3-19, Tuba Hasan 2-13); Pakistan 61-1 in nine overs (Sidra Amin 31, Muneeba Ali 21 not out; Mahirah Izzati Ismail 1-8).

Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2022