In a thrilling encounter at the Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024, Team India continued their dominant run with a massive win over Nepal. Playing without their regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s Shafali Verma shone brightly, smashing her career-best score to lead the team into the semi-finals.
On Tuesday, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, India’s top order fired on all cylinders. Openers Shafali Verma and Dayalan Hemalatha delivered a devastating blow to Nepal’s bowling attack, sharing a 122-run stand. Shafali’s blistering 81 off 48 balls set the tone for a high-scoring match.
Jemimah Rodrigues added to the tally with an unbeaten 28 off 15 balls, helping India post a formidable 178 for 3 in their 20 overs. Nepal’s Sita Rana Magar tried to stem the flow of runs, taking 2 wickets for 25 runs, but the Indian batswomen were relentless.
Nepal’s response to India’s towering total was underwhelming. Indu Barma’s side struggled from the start, with wickets falling at regular intervals. The Indian bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma, who took 3 wickets, and supported by Renuka Thakur Singh, Arundhati Reddy, and Radha Yadav, who shared the remaining spoils, restricted Nepal to a paltry 96 for 9 in 20 overs. This collective bowling effort secured India an emphatic 82-run victory.
India’s journey to the semi-finals has been marked by remarkable performances. In their previous game, they crushed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a record-breaking total of 201 for 5, thanks to Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 64 off 29 balls.
This victory, coupled with their earlier win against arch-rivals Pakistan, ensured India topped Group A with an unbeaten record. Pakistan also advanced to the semi-finals, trailing India in the standings.
The group stage saw standout performances from several players. Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu emerged as the leading run-scorer with 131 runs in two games, including the first century in Women’s Asia Cup history.
Shafali Verma, with 77 runs, and Harmanpreet Kaur, with 71 runs, led India’s charge in the tournament. Deepti Sharma’s five wickets made her the joint-highest wicket-taker in the competition.
Shafali Verma’s explosive batting earned her the Player of the Match award against Nepal. Her fifty came off just 26 balls, underscoring her aggressive approach at the top of the order. India’s decision to rest Harmanpreet Kaur for the game against Nepal paid off, as the team maintained their unbeaten streak and advanced confidently to the semi-finals.
Smriti Mandhana, who captained India in Harmanpreet’s absence, guided the team with a steady hand. The leadership and depth in India’s squad were evident throughout the group stage, showcasing their readiness for the challenges ahead in the knockout rounds.
The semi-final lineup from Group A sees defending champions India and traditional rivals Pakistan making it through. As the tournament progresses, the Indian team, with its blend of explosive batting, disciplined bowling, and tactical acumen, looks poised to defend their title.
With their commanding performance against Nepal and consistent displays throughout the group stage, India has set a high benchmark in the Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024.
The semi-finals promise to be an exciting chapter in India’s quest for another title, as they continue to showcase their prowess and determination on the international stage.
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