NEW DELHI: Skipper Bismah Maroof led from the front as she came up with an unbeaten knock of 68 to help Pakistan post a fighting 149 for four in their opening Group B match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Cape Town on Sunday.
Bismah was well supported by Ayesha Naseem who scored a brisk 43 not out. Bismah and Ayesha put on an 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket, with the latter's 43 coming off just 25 balls at a strike rate of 172.
Radha Yadav was the most successful India bowler returning figures of 2 for 21 in her four overs while Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar got one wicket each.
Deepti Sharma got India the first breakthrough when Javeria Khan (8) went for a sweep only to give a top edge to Harmanpreet Kaur.
Pakistan showed attacking intent even after the early jolt as captain and one-down Bismah hit two consecutive boundaries in the fourth over. Pakistan were 39 for one at the end of powerplay overs.
Radha reduced Pakistan to 42/2 after getting rid of dangerous opener Muneeba Ali for 12.
Radha saw the Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter coming down the track and fired an arm ball outside off. Muneeba missed but an alert Richa Ghosh made no mistake and removed the bails off in a flash.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led India brought in Harleen Deol in place of Smriti Mandhana, who is out of the opening match after suffering a finger injury during a warm-up game against Australia.
