India U21s complete series whitewash
India's Under-21 women defeated Pakistan women by 99 runs in Lahore to take the four-match series 4-0
AFP
02-Oct-2005
India women under-21s 215 for 4 (Kamini 63, Jain 59) defeated Pakistan women (116 for 9) by 99 runs to take the four-match series 4-0
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India's Under-21s defeated Pakistan by 99 runs in the fourth and final one-day match at Lahore on Sunday, to whitewash their hosts 4-0 in the first-ever women's cricket series between the two countries. India made 215 for 4 in their 40 overs at the Gaddafi stadium, with half-centuries from Thirush Kamini and their captain Karuna Jain.
They then wrapped up the match by restricting Pakistan to 116 for 9 in their allotted 40 overs. "It was a fantastic series," Jain told AFP, "and we are thankful to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the hospitality and look forward to more Indo-Pak series."
Jain, who was declared player of the series for her magnificent batting, stroked a masterful 59 while Kamini topscored with a punishing 63. Sana Mir chipped in with for 15 for Pakistan. But the home side were never in the hunt for the target, losing wickets at regular intervals and falling 99 runs short.
"The Pakistan team is inexperienced because they have started recently," Jain added, "but I would say they showed improvement with every match. We were looked after very well and the hospitality proved the traditional values and we would always love to come to Pakistan."
India won the earlier three matches at Lahore by margins of 30 and 33 runs, and then by eight wickets. Pakistan team captain Shamsa Hashmi said that the series was the "first big step" for her team. "This series has given us the courage to take the sport forward and it will help us take on bigger challenges in the future," she said.
The Under-21s tour is the first time any women's sport team from India has played in Pakistan. The success of this tour has paved the way for India's senior side to visit in December, when Pakistan are due to host the first-ever Asia Cup for women. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will also take part.