Pakistan captain Fatima Sana slammed for Shafali Verma sendoff against India
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has come under criticism for her sendoff to Shafali Verma during the Women’s Asia Cup clash against India in Dubai on Saturday. Fatima dismissed the India opener for 12 off six balls before gesturing towards Shafali as she walked back to the pavilion.
The moment came shortly after Shafali had created history by becoming the youngest and fastest batter to 3,000 runs in Women’s T20Is. She reached the landmark at 22 years and 220 days, achieving the feat with a single after opening her innings with a six against left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal.
India vs Pakistan, Women’s Asia Cup: Highlights | Scorecard
Commentator Vivek Razdan criticised Fatima’s reaction, questioning her actions after Pakistan had collapsed for 55, their lowest-ever total in Women’s T20Is. “Okay, you’re showing her the way out. Your entire team scored just 55 runs, and now you’re sending Shafali Verma back,” Razdan said.
After her first-ball six, Shafali completed her 3,000-run milestone with a single. Following another single, the right-hander smashed Fatima for four before the Pakistan captain had the final say.
FATIMA TAKES THREE WICKETS, BUT INDIA CRUISE HOME
Fatima was Pakistan’s standout bowler despite the heavy defeat. She removed Shafali, Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana to finish with 3-0-17-3, accounting for all three of India’s wickets. Her first over produced the key wicket of Shafali, while she returned to dismiss Mandhana for 9 after conceding a boundary on the previous delivery.
However, Fatima’s effort could not prevent India from completing a comfortable chase. Pakistan had a disastrous day with the bat after India’s spinners Shree Charani and Prema Rawat claimed three wickets each, while Deepti Sharma took two. Pakistan collapsed from a promising 27 without loss, losing their last 10 wickets for just 28 runs.
India lost three wickets in the chase, but Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten to take the team to 57 for three in 8.4 overs, sealing a seven-wicket victory with 68 balls to spare. Harmanpreet finished on 18 not out, while Deepti contributed an unbeaten 12.
India had already qualified for the semi-finals and finished the group stage unbeaten. Pakistan, on the other hand, are yet to qualify, with their final group match against Hong Kong.
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