India registered a thrilling seven-wicket victory against Pakistan in a humdinger of a match to start their Women's T20 World Cup on Sunday at Newlands.
Her father Sanjeev Verma stated that the chase was tricky and India needed a good opening stand to ensure the win. He also mentioned that Shafali scored 33 runs but the knock was pivotal in India's win.
Ayesha made a quickfire 43 from 25 balls while the skipper played the role of the sheet anchor to remain unbeaten on 68 runs. India made Pakistan's work easy as there were fielding lapses across the inning.
Sri Lanka chose to bat after winning the toss and posted a below-par total of 122 runs. Pakistan's Nashra Sandhu picked up three wickets to help her team restrict Sri Lanka to a low total.
Powar defended the Indian team's batting order for the match, saying that the team is looking to give game time to young batters in the group as the team is not left with many matches before the World Cup.
The Pakistani claimed that the fielding effort from her side was the difference in today's win as the team fielded wonderfully and took essential catches in the match to back the brilliant bowling from their bowlers today.
Nashra Sandhu picked up three wickets for 30 runs while Nida Dar and Sadia Iqbal also chipped in with two wickets a piece. Richa Ghosh top-scored for India as she played a quick-fire inning of 26 from 13 deliveries.
Deepti Sharma bowled exceptionally and was the quick of the Indian bowlers as she bagged three wickets giving away just 27 runs. For Pakistan Nida Dar was the highest scorer while Bismah Maroof also contributed with 32 runs in 35 balls.