ISLAMABAD: India women’s cricket team defeated Pakistan by 17 runs in the final of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, successfully defending their title in Bangkok on Sunday. It was the second consecutive time India had beaten Pakistan in an Asia Cup final, having done so in 2012-13 as well. The win also ensured India remained unbeaten in this year’s tournament, which was being played in the T20 format for the second time. India set a target of 121-5 for the green shirts. Mithali Raj’s unbeaten 73 set the team up for victory. With Jhulan Goswami, Ekta Bisht and Preeti Bose on the offence from the beginning of India’s bowling overs, the game was tipped in India’s favour from the beginning. Left-arm spinner Anam Amin topped the wickets column with 2 for 24 in four overs, while Sana Mir and Sadia Yousuf were economical in their respective quotas and took a wicket apiece. In response, Pakistan made 104 for six wickets as captain Bismah Maroof top-scored for the team with a knock of 25 off 26 balls. Openers Ayesha Zafar and Javeria Khan made 15 and 22 respectively. India’s bowlers shared the wickets around. Bisht, who opened the bowling, took 2 for 22. Anuja Patil, Goswami, Pandey and Preeti took a wicket apiece. Brief scores: India women 121 for 5 (Raj 73 not out, Amin 2-24) beat Pakistan women 104 for 6 (Maroof 25, Bisht 2-22) by 17 runs