Sports

Fatima Sana's Send-Off to Shafali Verma Sparks Debate as India Thrash Pakistan in Asia Cup

By Vishesh Roy

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana drew attention for an animated send-off to India opener Shafali Verma during the Women's Asia Cup match at Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, even as her side suffered a heavy defeat. Sana picked up three wickets, dismissing Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawal, after Pakistan had been bowled out for just 55 runs.

The incident occurred on the third ball of the second over of India's innings. Sana bowled a good-length delivery that bounced more than Shafali expected. Attempting to work it through the leg side, Shafali got a leading edge that went straight back to the bowler. Sana completed the catch and gestured animatedly, pointing Shafali toward the pavilion. Shafali did not react and walked off after scoring 12 runs off six balls, which included a four and a six.

Commentator Vivek Razdan remarked on air about the moment, noting the contrast between Pakistan's low total and the send-off, saying, "Your entire team just scored 55 runs, and now you're sending Shafali Verma back."

Despite the early dismissal, the match turned out to be a milestone occasion for Shafali. She became the youngest player to cross 3,000 runs in women's T20Is, achieving the feat at the age of 22 years and 220 days, surpassing Ireland's Gaby Lewis, who had reached the mark at 24 years and 347 days. Shafali also became the fastest to the milestone, needing just 2,182 balls, beating the previous record of 2,321 deliveries held by former Australian captain Alyssa Healy.

Earlier in the match, Fatima Sana won the toss and chose to bat first, but Pakistan's batting order collapsed, being bundled out for 55 in 18.1 overs. Shree Charani and Prema Rawat took three wickets each for India, while Deepti Sharma claimed two.

In response, India got off to an explosive start as Shafali hit a six off the very first ball of the chase. Fatima Sana then fought back, removing the top order of Shafali, Mandhana and Rawal. However, India completed the chase comfortably, with Harmanpreet Kaur (18 not out) and Deepti Sharma (12 not out) guiding the team to victory by seven wickets, with 68 balls remaining.