Captain Sana Mir produced a splendid all-round display but her efforts went in vain as India defeated Pakistan by 18 runs in the final to win the Women's Twenty20 Asia Cup Cricket Tournament in Guangzhou (China) on Wednesday. Experienced Sana captured four wickets for 13 runs in four overs and scored a fine 11 runs to emerge as the star of the day for Pakistan.
Poonam Rout hit a promising 25 in 28 balls with three boundaries and Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a steady 20 in 33 balls without hitting a boundary as Indian women were bowled out for 81 on the last ball of 20 overs after electing to bat first. Sana Mir got support from Mariam Hasan and Bismah Maroof grabbed two wickets apiece.
Pakistan team in reply crashed 61 all out in 19.1 over. Opener Bismah Maroof top-scored with 18 in 32 balls with two fours. Nain Abidi (13) and Sana Mir (11) were other women to reach double figures. Pakistan got the consolation when Bismah Maroof was named the player of the tournament. The event was held under the auspices of Asian Cricket Council. Summarized scores: India 81 all out in 20 overs (Poonam Rout 25, Harmanpreet Kaur 20, Reema Malhotra 18; Sana Mir 4-13, Maraim Hasan 2-8, Bismah Maroof 2-14). Pakistan 63 all out in 19.1 overs (Bismah Maroof 18, Nain Abidi 13, San Mir 11; Archana Das 2-12, Nagarajan Niranjana 2-15).