India happy to be ruthless against Pakistan: Harmanpreet Kaur on Women’s Asia Cup win

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur was delighted with the way her side dismantled Pakistan to produce a ruthless seven-wicket victory in the Women’s Asia Cup T20 group match on Saturday. Indian bowlers ensured a commanding victory after Shree Charani, Prema Rawat, Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma combined to bowl out Pakistan for just 55.

IND VS PAK WOMEN ASIA CUP: MAIN | SCORECARD

It was Pakistan’s lowest ever score in a women’s T20 international. Turns out the chase was little more than a formality, India reached the target in just 8.4 overs. For Harmanpreet, the most encouraging aspect was India’s intensity, despite having already secured a place in the semi-finals before facing their arch-rivals.

“It was a very important game for us. We talk about being ruthless so we are very happy. All the bowlers were excellent, they stuck to the plans, read the pitch well and played well,” Harmanpreet said at the post-match ceremony.

“It’s very important to keep the standards high. I know what this team brings to the table. As for losing three wickets, it can happen. Pakistan have a good bowling attack.”

The match also marked a big personal milestone for Harmanpreet. She became the first cricketer, male or female, to captain a national side in 150 T20 Internationals. India’s captain has been a constant presence in the format, featuring in 205 of the 228 T20 internationals played by the Indian women’s team since the format’s inception.

The Indian captain said she was grateful to achieve the milestone and asked the fans to support her and the side.

“I am grateful. I never thought I would go this far. Support me (appeal to fans). I hope I will continue the good work,” said Harmanpreet.

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana defended her decision to bat first after winning the toss. Given the strength of Pakistan’s bowling attack, she saw setting the target as a reasonable option despite the final result.

“We had a collapse. It was a fresh wicket and we wanted to give our best because we had a good bowling side,” Sana said.

India will now rest until the semi-finals of the tournament starting on September 10.

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Published on:

05 Sep 2026 23:54 IST