Marsh’s opening stand enough to punish Pakistan

Galle: England overwhelmed Pakistan as emphatically as Australia overwhelmed India on the opening day of the Women’s World Twenty20.

England got their campaign off to a winning start, comfortably beating Pakistan by 43 runs, while Australia beat India by eight wickets.

An opening stand of 102 off 79 balls between England’s captain, Charlotte Edwards, and Laura Marsh set up their victory, before a collapse against the spinners cost six wickets in their last seven overs for 31 runs.

Clearly this is not a gender issue. But it is a cultural one. Marsh, who hit her maiden 50 in T20 internationals and went on to a fine 54 (including two sixes) from 41 balls, was speaking for all English cricketers, male and female, who have to bat in Asia when she said: “When you come in, it’s easier to have pace on the ball.”

Marsh and Edwards cashed in when there was a little pace on the ball, hitting 50 off the five overs from Pakistan’s inaccurate bowlers. Only when Sana Mir, Pakistan’s captain and off-spinner, came on did they take wickets, after the opening stand was broken by a run-out.

England in the field were efficient. Katherine Brunt found enough springiness in the well-grassed pitch to bowl a couple of bouncers, while England’s array of finger-spinners picked up easy wickets and confidence ahead of the match on Saturday against main rivals Australia.

But Pakistan played well in parts, which was commendable for a team that has faced innumerable difficulties, such as not having played a home match since 2005. Since they affiliated to the Pakistan Cricket Board in 2005, the relationship seems to have been harmonious but no visiting teams and no home matches have been arranged. Cricket is popular enough for there to be teams in 13 cities, soon to be expanded to 17 teams.

“Not a single person in Pakistan says women can’t play,” said their media manager. “No one has objected.”

The story of Mir, their captain, is typical. “I learnt in the streets in Taxila with taped tennis balls. Until I was 10 I only used to field because the bowling was quick, but my brother made his friends bowl at me.

“We have broken windows a lot and made noise when our neighbours wanted to sleep. That has made us mentally tough.”

Pakistan now has more 17 contracted women cricketers, more than any other country. Some compensation for never having home advantage.