Roy, Chopra steer India to five-wicket win over Pak

India skittled Pakistan for a paltry 75, thanks to some dazzling bowling by Roy and pacewoman Rumeli Dhar (3/13), and then overhauled the target with 14 balls to spare in a Pool B on match on Saturday.

Chasing 76 for their first win in the tournament, India got off to a disastrous start as they lost three wickets inside the first five overs, but Chopra, who cracked five fours in her 52-ball innings, relied on her vast experience to help her side romp home.

Earlier, electing to bat, Pakistan failed to negotiate the Indian bowlers as only three of their batters -- opener Nain Abidi (17), Asmavia Iqbal (10) and Almas Akram (12) -- managed double digit scores.

Dhar removed left-hand opener Bismah Maroof (6) and then sent back Sajjida Shah for a duck.

The other opener Abidi, who cracked three fours during her 18-ball stay, became Dhar’s third victim as her ambitious shot found Priyanka Roy.

After Dhar’s brilliant spell, Roy came up with a stunning spin bowling effort to pile on Pakistan’s agony.

She sent back Javeria Khan (2) in her first delivery and then dismissed Armaan Khan (0) in the same over, before she removed skipper Sana Mir (8).

The Indian women soon found themselves in a difficult situation as they lost wickets at regular intervals.

Mithali Raj made 10 and was just beginning to look dangerous in Anjum Chopra’s company when pacewoman Qanita Jalil removed Raj.

Dhar (0) and Roy (7), who together scalped eight wickets to bundle out Pakistan, failed to repeat the magic with the willow and returned to the pavilion in quick succession, but Chopra held her nerves to complete the task for India.

Brief scores: Pakistan: 75 all out in 19.5 overs (Nain Abidi 17; R Dhar 3-13, P Roy 5-16) lt to India: 78/5 in 17.4 overs (A Chopra 37 n.o.).