India-W roll over Bangladesh-W emphatically to clinch final berth in Women’s Asia Cup
India completed an emphatic rout of Bangladesh, booking their ticket to the grand finale of the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup. An all-round performance from the Women in Blue left Bangladesh fairly rattled. Despite a cautious approach in the second innings, the Indian bowlers were on the money to walk away with the bragging rights.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh put India to bat first. Sultana Khatun dealt an early blow, dismissing Smriti Mandhana (9). However, Shafali Verma’s aggressive approach dispelled any fears of Bangladesh making further inroads straightaway. Pratika Rawal (20) anchored the partnership well to steady India’s ship.
The two added 50 runs for the second wicket before Rabeya Khatun removed Rawal. Harmanpreet Kaur (24*) was the next one to come in and her primary objective was to keep the innings flowing. Verma started switching gears after Rawal departed. She brought up her 20th WT20I half-century in the 14th over, propelling India to a stand from where they could fire big towards the end.
The much-talked-about India’s middle order found their rhythm at the right time. An incoming Richa Ghosh quickly took over the reins while Kaur’s residence in the center ensured that India could go forward with renewed vim and vigour.
Ghosh smashed 21 off 16, hitting two maximums while Deepti Sharma followed suit, clubbing a quickfire 13 as India posted 149/6. Kaur stayed unbeaten till the very end as India found themselves in good stead. Sultana Khatun was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowling lot with figures of 2/30.
Bangladesh was well aware that the pitch wouldn’t be a belter to bat on. Bangladesh’s primary focus was not to lose early wickets, which led to a cautious start. Dilara Akter (21) and Juairiya Ferdous (14) approached with caution, leading to Bangladesh adding 26 runs for the opening wicket before N Sree Charani drew first blood.
Deepti Sharma continued her fine run of form as she doubled down India’s charge with the prized scalp of Dilara. Sobhana Mostary (18) and Nigar Sultana (19) did put up a fight but the scoring rate soon leaped forward with every succeeding ball, forcing Bangladesh to try and accelerate.
However, the growing pressure allowed the Indian bowlers to storm in through the chinks of the Bangladeshi armour. Sharma rattled through the defences of Mostary while Prema Rawat claimed the Bangladeshi captain, leaving the latter frazzled in front of a skyrocketing required rate.
Despite Shorna Akter (22*) hanging in the middle till the very end and Fahima Khatun (14) coming up with some late resistance, the ship had already sailed by then as India completed an easy win. Bangladesh were restricted to 109/7 as India secured a 40-run win. Deepti Sharma led the Indian charge with figures of 3/26. Shafali Verma bagged the Player of the Match award for her scintillating knock with the bat.
