Women’s Asia Cup: India-Pakistan rivalry set for another mismatch

Dubai: Having already secured a semifinal place, a far superior India will be expected to raise the intensity against traditional rivals Pakistan in their final league game of the Women’s Asia Cup tonight.

Men’s or women’s, regularly scheduled India-Pakistan fixtures in multi-team events have failed to live up to the off-field hype in recent years.

There is little reason to expect anything different when the two teams meet in Dubai, with overwhelming title favourites India expected to steamroll Pakistan.


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That’s not to say India don’t have work to do in the shortest format, having made premature exits from the last two World Cups.

They need to develop a pool of power-hitters and fast bowlers if they are to challenge Australia’s dominance.

At the continental level, however, no team comes close to India’s strength. India finished runners-up to Sri Lanka in the previous edition, while Pakistan, who beat Thailand in their opening game, remain in contention for a place in the last four.

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Pakistan need a drastic improvement in their batting if they are to compete with India. Their shortcomings with the bat have let them down for several years.

Even against Thailand in their last game, Pakistan came under pressure in the powerplay after losing three wickets. They eventually defended a modest 119 against the less-established side.

The team remains heavily reliant on opener Muneeba Ali and bowling all-rounder and captain Fatima Sana.