Nida leads Pakistan to win in high-voltage clash against India

Dhaka, 7 Oct - Nida Dar came up with a terrific all round  performance as Pakistan beat archrivals India by 13 runs in their crucial game in the Women's Asia Cup today at the Sylhet International Cricket  Stadium.

 
After being upset by Thailand in the previous match, it was a much-needed victory for Bismah Maroof's side as it put them in the second spot of the point table with six points from four matches. India who conceded their first defeat in the tournament also had six points but is still in the top position due to the better run rate.
 
Nida Dar hammered an unbeaten 37 ball-56 before taking 2-23 with her wily off-spin to be instrumental in Pakistan's victory in the prestigious clash. 
 
Nida's 56 not out however helped her side rack up 137-6 after Bismah opted to bat first. Later Pakistan bowlers bowled excellently to bowl India out for 124 in 19.4 overs.
 
Nida's sixth half-century was well complemented by captain Bismah's 32 while opener Muneeba Ali made 17. Inform opener Sidra Ameen however failed to capitalize on her start after being out for 11.
 
Deepti Sharma was the most successful bowler for India with 3-27 while Pooja Vastrakar took 2-23.
 
Offspinner Nashra Sandhu gave India a setback, removing opener Sabbhineni Meghana (15) and Smriti Mandhana (15) cheaply while Nida worsened the situation further, removing Jemimah Rodrigues (2) and left India for 50-3 in the 10th overs.
 
India however could never recover from the early collapse as they kept losing wickets in clusters. Wicket-keeper batter Richa Ghosh tried her best, with 13 ball-26 but that only reduced the margin. 
 
Nashra Sandhu ended with 3-30 while Sadia Iqbal and Nida snapped up two wickets apiece.
 
India will take on Bangladesh in another high-octane game tomorrow at the same stadium. Bangladesh needs to win this match in a bid to keep the final hope alive.
 
Meanwhile, in the day's other match, Thailand continued to impress as they beat United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 19 runs. A day ago, they upset Pakistan by four wickets.
 
After opting to bat first, Thailand piled up 108-4 with captain Naruemol Chaiwai making the highest 37 not out while Sornnarin Tippoch scored 25.

UAE were restricted to 89-8, chasing the target of 109. Opener Kavisha Egodage was the top-scorer with 29. Thipatcha Putthawong snared 2-12 and was adjudged player of the match. Onnicha Kamchomphu also took two wickets to complement Putthawong's effort.