Dominant India Women storm into Asia Cup final with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh Women. The semi-final clash at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on July 26, 2024, saw the Indian team outclass their opponents in all departments. From Renuka Singh’s lethal opening spell to Smriti Mandhana’s explosive batting, the match was a testament to their skill and preparation.
Bangladesh Women’s Innings: A Struggle from the Start
Winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Bangladesh Women found themselves under pressure right from the start. Renuka Singh’s superb bowling dismantled their top order, taking out Dilara Akter, Murshida Khatun, and Ishma Tanjim early on and leaving Bangladesh at 21-3 by the fifth over. The Indian bowlers kept things tight and made sure the Bangladeshi batters never got comfortable.
Despite a determined innings from captain Nigar Sultana, who managed 32 runs off 51 balls, Bangladesh struggled to build any momentum. Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma tightened the screws further, claiming five wickets between them. The only significant resistance came from Shorna Akter, who scored a quick 19 not out off 18 balls. Ultimately, Bangladesh Women finished their innings at 80 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Scorecard Summary – Bangladesh Women:
- Dilara Akter: 6 (4)
- Murshida Khatun: 4 (9)
- Ishma Tanjim: 8 (10)
- Nigar Sultana: 32 (51)
- Rumana Ahmed: 1 (11)
- Rabeya Khan: 1 (7)
- Ritu Moni: 5 (6)
- Shorna Akter: 19* (18)
- Nahida Akter: 0 (2)
- Extras: 4
- Total: 80/8 in 20 overs
Bowling Figures – India Women:
- Renuka Singh: 4-1-10-3
- Pooja Vastrakar: 4-0-25-1
- Tanuja Kanwar: 4-0-16-0
- Deepti Sharma: 4-1-14-1
- Radha Yadav: 4-1-13-3
India Women’s Innings: A Seamless Chase
Chasing a modest target of 81, Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana made quick work of the Bangladeshi bowling attack. Shafali Verma, known for her aggressive batting style, played a more controlled innings, scoring 26 off 28 balls. However, it was Smriti Mandhana who stole the show with her brilliant performance. Mandhana’s unbeaten 55 off just 39 balls, which included nine boundaries, ensured a swift chase. India reached the target in just 11 overs without losing a wicket.
Scorecard Summary – India Women:
- Shafali Verma: 26* (28)
- Smriti Mandhana: 55* (39)
- Extras: 2
- Total: 83/0 in 11 overs
Bowling Figures – Bangladesh Women:
- Marufa Akter: 2-0-17-0
- Nahida Akter: 3-0-34-0
- Jahanara Alam: 3-0-17-0
- Rabeya Khan: 2-0-10-0
- Rumana Ahmed: 1-0-5-0
A Dominant Performance
The Indian bowlers, led by Renuka Singh and Radha Yadav, laid a strong foundation with their disciplined and sharp bowling, restricting Bangladesh to a meager total. Then, openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana made sure there were no hiccups in the chase, showcasing a perfect blend of aggression and composure.
With this victory, India Women have secured their place in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup T20, 2024, and will be full of confidence as they aim to clinch the coveted title. Bangladesh Women, on the other hand, will need to regroup and reflect on their performance to come back stronger in future tournaments.
Conclusion
The match was a testament to the Indian team’s dominance in the shortest format of the game. The blend of experienced campaigners and young talents continues to prove effective, and they will be eager to carry this form into the final. For the fans, the final promises to be an exciting clash, with India Women poised as strong contenders for the Asia Cup title.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis Women’s Asia Cup T20, 2024!