In a dazzling display of cricketing prowess, India secured their place in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Friday. The match, held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, showcased standout performances from Renuka Singh and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who played pivotal roles in India’s emphatic win.
India's path to the final was marked by their all-around dominance, which saw them outshine Bangladesh in every aspect of the game. This marks India’s ninth appearance in the tournament’s final, underscoring their consistent excellence over the years.
Bangladesh, the 2018 champions, struggled throughout the match, unable to gain any momentum against the formidable Indian side. Their decision to bat first after winning the toss proved to be a misjudgment, as they faced relentless pressure from India’s bowlers.
Renuka Singh set the tone early with her aggressive pace bowling. In the powerplay, she dismantled Bangladesh’s top order with precision and speed. Renuka’s spell was nothing short of spectacular, as she dismissed Dilara Akter, Murshida Khatun, and Ishma Tanjim, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 20/3.
As Bangladesh's batters faltered, India’s bowlers continued their relentless attack. Skipper Nigar Sultana tried to steady the ship with a cautious approach, but her efforts were in vain as wickets continued to tumble. The introduction of spin bowlers Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav added further pressure, with Radha’s magical left-arm spin proving particularly effective.
Radha Yadav’s spell was crucial in derailing Bangladesh’s innings. She claimed three wickets, including that of Nigar Sultana, who was the highest scorer for her team with 32 runs. Deepti Sharma also contributed with a key wicket and maintained tight control throughout her four-over spell.
Despite a late surge from Shorna Akter, who scored a few boundaries towards the end, Bangladesh could only muster a modest total of 80 runs for the loss of eight wickets. The final score read Bangladesh 80/8, with Renuka Singh and Radha Yadav each taking three wickets.
In response, India’s chase was characterised by aggressive and precise batting. The opening duo of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma took charge from the outset. Mandhana’s explosive batting was evident as she found the boundary with ease and even cleared the stands with a six. Shafali supported her well, rotating the strike and ensuring the pressure remained on the Bangladesh bowlers.
Mandhana’s innings was a highlight of the match. She played a brilliant knock of 55* runs, her 25th half-century in T20I cricket. Despite a scare when she was initially caught out but the catch was deemed illegal, Mandhana continued to dominate. Shafali, meanwhile, provided solid support with an unbeaten 26*, as India chased down the target with nine overs to spare.
This victory underscores India’s strength and preparedness as they head into the final of the Women’s Asia Cup. The performance of Renuka Singh and Smriti Mandhana was instrumental in securing this win, highlighting their crucial roles in India’s campaign. As the tournament progresses, India’s blend of aggressive batting and disciplined bowling positions them as strong contenders for the title.
With the final match approaching, India’s impressive display against Bangladesh sets a high standard and fuels anticipation for their next challenge.
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