The Indian women’s cricket team secured a commanding victory over Bangladesh in the first semi-final of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024, held at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday. With a clinical performance, India chased down Bangladesh’s modest target of 81 runs without losing a wicket, finishing the game in just 11 overs.
The Indian openers, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, displayed outstanding form. Verma contributed 26 runs from 28 balls, while Mandhana played a spectacular innings, scoring an unbeaten 55 off 39 deliveries, decorated with nine boundaries and a six.
India’s triumph ensures their spot in the final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh, opting to bat first, struggled to find momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. The early dismissals of key batters Dilara Akter (6), Murshida Khatun (4), and Ishma Tanjim (8) put them on the back foot. Captain Nigar Sultana fought back with a resilient knock of 32 off 51 balls, but her effort ended when she was dismissed by Radha Yadav. Shorna Akter added some valuable runs down the order, scoring 19 with two boundaries.
India’s bowlers were relentless, with Radha Yadav and Renuka Singh each claiming three wickets. Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma chipped in with one wicket apiece, ensuring Bangladesh could only post a total of 80 runs.
Playing XIs:
India:
– Shafali Verma
– Smriti Mandhana
– Uma Chetry
– Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
– Jemimah Rodrigues
– Richa Ghosh (wk)
– Deepti Sharma
– Pooja Vastrakar
– Radha Yadav
– Tanuja Kanwar
– Renuka Thakur Singh
Bangladesh:
– Dilara Akter
– Murshida Khatun
– Nigar Sultana (c & wk)
– Rumana Ahmed
– Ishma Tanjim
– Ritu Moni
– Rabeya Khan
– Shorna Akter
– Nahida Akter
– Jahanara Alam
– Marufa Akter
India’s performance underscores their strength and readiness to claim the trophy. Fans eagerly await the final, where the team will look to continue their dominant run and clinch the title.
