The strange changes Indian batting order in tricky run chase of 138 against Pakistan in the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup 2022 confused many. These changes are expected when taking on minnows but not against the arch-rivals. As Harmanpreet Kaur delayed her arrival to the crease India found themselves in deep trouble needing 73 runs from 45 deliveries. In the end, India lost by 13 runs as the required run rate kept climbing up and too many wickets fell in the slog overs.
Skipper Harmanpreet had an explanation for the topsy-turvy batting order against Pakistan as she said in the post-match presentation, “I think in the middle we were trying to give other batters a chance. That cost us today.”
“It was a chaseable target. In the middle overs, we were not able to rotate the strike. For me it is important that whoever is new to the side, they get enough games before the WC. It was a great opportunity for others. We don't take any team lightly. It is part of the game. They played good cricket and deserved to win. We need to work on areas and be strong.”
Batting at no.7, Harmanpreet scored 12 runs from 12 deliveries. She lost her wicket to 'Player of the match' Nida Dar in the 17th over.
India have been tinkering with their batting order in the tournament. Against United Arab Emirates (UAE), Harmanpreet was rested and Smriti Mandhana was made captain. Mandhana did not come out to bat and sent Richa Ghosh to open the innings alongside Sabbhineni Meghana.
The last time Harmanpreet came to bat in the tournament was against Sri Lanka where she scored 33 runs from 30 deliveries.
This was India first loss to Pakistan in the T20 format since March 19, 2016. Overall, this was India's third loss to Pakistan in 13 T20Is they have played against each other.
India will now face defending champions Bangladesh on October 8.
