Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur took two wickets and scored an unbeaten 26 as India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup in Bangkok.

With this win, India now have three wins from as many matches, having beaten Bangladesh and Thailand over the weekend.

Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the Indians would have been pleased with the way they restricted Pakistan to just 97/7 in their 20 overs. Left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht was India’s most impressive bowler, with three wickets to her name.

Veteran right-handed batter Nain Abidi was Pakistan’s top scorer, notching up an unbeaten 37 from 41 deliveries.

India did have a few hiccups during their chase, having been reduced to 51/3 at one point with more than 12 overs bowled. But the experience of Mithali Raj came to the fore yet again, as she anchored the innings with a 57-ball 36.

Harmanpreet stayed until the end to guide India home and it was no surprise that she was named the Player of the Match for her all-round performance.

India face off against Sri Lanka next on December 1, while Pakistan will take on Bangladesh on November 30.

BRIEF SCORES

Pakistan 97/7 – 20 overs [Abidi 37*, Bisht 3/20] lost to India 98/5 – 19.2 overs [Raj 36, Dar 2/11] by five wickets.