Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar led India’s comeback against Pakistan in the ongoing match at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. This is the opening match for the arch-rivals in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022.
The Indian team was in trouble having lost their top six for just 114 runs. However, Pooja Vastrakar got together with Sneh Rana to stabilize the Indian innings. The duo is playing their first ICC Women’s World Cup match.
They launched a counter-attack, to add 122 runs in just 97 deliveries for the seventh wicket. This marked the highest partnership for the seventh wicket or lower in Women’s One-day Internationals.
Pooja Vastrakar was dismissed in the final over of the innings, for 67 runs off 59 balls, including eight boundaries. Sneh Rana remained not out for 53 runs off 48 deliveries, slamming four boundaries. This is her first fifty in One-day Internationals.
Earlier in the day, Indian skipper, Mithali Raj won the loss and opted to bat. India lost Shafali Verma early, with just 4 runs on the board. However, Deepti Sharma and Smriti Mandhana added 92 runs together, before India suffered a batting collapse.
The Mithali Raj-led side, finished the innings at 244/7, on the back of Pooja and Sneh’s counter-attacking fifties. Nida Dar and Nashra Sandhu were the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, as they picked two wickets each.
Let’s take a look at how the fans reacted to Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar’s partnership:
Commentator Harsha Bhogle feels Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana’s stand has given India an opportunity to win this match. He tweeted, “Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakara have given India a chance in this game. Seemed curtains when Mithali was out and it was 114-6. Should be a really good game.”
Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar have given India a chance in this game. Seemed curtains when Mithali was out and it was 114-6. Should be a really good game
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 6, 2022
India go from 114/6 to 244/7 thanks to a splendid 122-run stand (off 97 balls) between Vastrakar (67) and Rana (53). A stunning turnaround and one that brings India right back into the game.
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) March 6, 2022
Terrific rescue act by Sneh Rana (53* off 48) and Pooja Vastrakar (67 off 59) as India post 244/7 in 50 overs against Pakistan
Smriti Mandhana with 52, Deepti Sharma with 40
Need to bowl well now.#INDvPAK #CWC22
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) March 6, 2022
Superb 67 by World Cup debutant Pooja Vastrakar. She and Sneh Rana have put India into strong position putting on 122 for the 7th https://t.co/yhDqb2V9r9 one stage India were 114-6. Pressure entirely on Pak now #WWC2022
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 6, 2022
Rana and Vastrakar were at opposite ends in Challenger Trophy finals, leading India A and D, respectively. Both were very eloquent after the match, too. The clarity of thought, streetsmart and leadership skills that were there, shows on the big stage. #YoungbutExperienced #CWC22
— Sa. Gomesh | ச. கோமேஷ் (@SaGomesh) March 6, 2022
Friendly reminder that both Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar are playing their 1st ODI World Cup match today. #INDvPAK #TeamIndia #CWC22 📸Disney+Hotstar pic.twitter.com/pWEdHoirrs
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) March 6, 2022
Brilliant half centuries these from Vastrakar and Rana… Runs on board now, top fight back by our #WomenInBlue #IndvPak https://t.co/HTIPRjjxTx
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) March 6, 2022
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