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The stage is set for an electrifying kickoff to the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, with defending champions India poised to take on arch-rivals Pakistan in a highly anticipated match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday, July 19.
Hosted in Sri Lanka, this ninth edition of the Women’s Asia Cup will feature teams from India, Pakistan, UAE, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia. The tournament, continuing in the T20 format for the fifth consecutive edition, serves as vital preparation for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 later this year.
The Women’s Asia Cup 2024 kicks off with an exciting India-Pakistan clash.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led India Women’s Cricket Team enters the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 as a dominant force, having secured three out of the last four editions in the T20 format and sweeping all four titles in the 50-over format.
In the T20I format of the Asia Cup, India women boast a formidable record, winning 17 out of 20 matches. They have also been strong against Pakistan women in T20Is, triumphing in 11 out of 14 encounters.
Looking ahead to their Group A clash in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team captain Nida Dar reflects on the intense India-Pakistan rivalry, drawing inspiration from the rivalry to potentially make a significant impact for her country.
The passion I get from playing India-Pakistan matches is something else: Nida Dar
Dar emphasized that her peak performances typically occur against India, fueled by her deep passion for cricket and the longstanding rivalry between the two nations, both on and off the field. She highlighted how the anticipation surrounding India versus Pakistan encounters serves as a powerful motivation, driving her to seize the chance to emerge as a hero.
Nida Dar said on Star Sports: “Mostly, if you look at my performances against India, I have had better performances. I have played well against them because my passion for cricket started with India-Pakistan matches. And with the excitement I see in people when India-Pakistan matches are played, you definitely have a chance to become a hero. So, I guess I don’t want to lose this chance.”
Reflecting on past encounters, the Pakistan captain recalled the shock of being dismissed on the first two balls in a World Cup match against India, underscoring that such moments are intrinsic to the game of cricket.
We learn a lot of things from India: Nida Dar
Additionally, Dar praised India’s current form and expressed her belief in the valuable lessons to be gleaned from their performance. She emphasized that participating in India-Pakistan matches ignites an unparalleled passion for the game within her.
The Pakistan skipper added, “I remember the last match I played against India in the World Cup. I was out on the first two balls, and I was so shocked to see what happened to me. It happens in cricket. But the experience I have had against India is always the best. I think we learn a lot of things from them.
And the way they are playing these days is amazing. So, I guess there are a lot of things to learn and a lot of good experiences. But the passion I get from playing cricket and India-Pakistan matches is something else.”
