Skipper Radha Yadav’s incisive spell and Dinesh Vrinda’s unbeaten half-century powered India A Women to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan A Women in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars here on Sunday, securing their first win of the tournament.
India A bowled out Pakistan for 93 in 18.5 overs before overhauling the target in just 10.1 overs to climb to second place in Group A, behind United Arab Emirates A Women.
Opting to bowl, India’s spinners applied sustained pressure from the outset. Radha led the charge with figures of 2 for 11 in three overs, striking at key moments to derail Pakistan’s progress. Prema Rawat (2/16 in three overs) and Minnu Mani (1/10 in 2.5 overs) maintained the squeeze, ensuring that no meaningful partnerships could take shape.
Pacer Saima Thakor complemented the spin attack impressively, returning 2 for 14 from her four overs as Pakistan were bundled out with seven balls to spare.
Chasing a modest 94, India were jolted immediately when Humaira Kazi fell to the very first delivery. However, Vrinda responded with a breathtaking counterattack that decisively shifted the momentum.
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The right-hander hammered an unbeaten 55 off 29 balls, striking 12 boundaries in a commanding display of strokeplay. Her aggression neutralised any early pressure and effectively sealed the contest within the powerplay.
Vrinda found steady support in Anushka Sharma, who compiled a composed 24 from 26 deliveries. The pair stitched together a decisive 78-run partnership that left Pakistan struggling for answers.
After Anushka’s dismissal, Tejal Hasabnis provided the finishing touches with a brisk 12 off five balls as India completed the chase with 59 deliveries to spare.
The comprehensive victory revived India A’s campaign after their seven-wicket defeat to the UAE in the opener on Friday. The dominant display with both ball and bat underlined the side’s depth, particularly the potency of their spin unit in subcontinental conditions.
With momentum now on their side, India A will look to consolidate their position in the group stages as the tournament progresses.
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