The Indian women's cricket team defeated Pakistan by 107 runs at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval to kick off the 2022 Women's World Cup in style. Indian bowlers held a tight line and length throughout the chase to keep the scoring rate under control despite defending a 245-run target. Rajeshwari Gayakwad took four wickets in her quota of 10 overs, while Sneh Rana and Jhulan Goswami each took two.
Earlier, India's batsmen clawed their way back to post a solid 244/7 in 50 overs. As the innings total topped 240 runs, Smriti Mandhana, Pooja Vastrakar, and Sneh Rana each hit half-centuries. Despite often losing wickets, India scored freely towards the end of the innings, with Pooja and Rana scoring 100 runs for the seventh wicket. For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu and Nida Dar each claimed two wickets. Mithali Raj was given the toss and chose to bat first. India, who came second in both the 2017 and 2005 World Cups, is eager to take the next step and capture the title that has eluded them, particularly skipper Mithali Raj and veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami, who is playing in his final World Cup.
