The India-A women’s cricket team showcased exceptional skill and determination as they secured victory in the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup T20 final against Bangladesh. Led by a formidable spin duo comprising Shreyanka Patil and Mannat Kashyap, India emerged triumphant with a convincing 31-run win. The final, held on Wednesday, witnessed a spirited performance from both teams, with India’s spinners playing a pivotal role in guiding their side to victory.
Opting to bat first, the Indian team posted a modest total of 127 for seven in their allotted overs. Dinesh Vrinda emerged as the top-scorer with a well-crafted 36 off 29 deliveries, while Kanika Ahuja remained unbeaten on 30 off 23 balls. However, it was a challenging inning for the Indian batters as Bangladesh bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals, preventing India from establishing significant partnerships. Only four Indian batters, including wicketkeeper U Chetry (22) and skipper Shweta Sehrawat (13), reached double-digit scores.
The real heroics came during the bowling innings when India’s spinners took center stage. Shreyanka Patil and Mannat Kashyap wreaked havoc with their spin wizardry, claiming four wickets for 13 runs and three for 20 runs, respectively. The slow Mission Road Ground pitch provided the perfect platform for the off-spinner Patil and slow left-arm orthodox Kashyap to dominate the opposition’s batting lineup. Their impeccable control, variations, and ability to exploit the conditions proved to be the turning point in the match.
Off-break bowler Kanika Ahuja also played a crucial role by chipping two wickets for 23 runs. The combined efforts of the spin trio dismantled the Bangladesh batting order, bundling them out for just 96 runs in 19.2 overs. Sobhana Mostary and Nahida Akter were the leading run-scorers for Bangladesh, managing 16 runs each, while Nahida Akter remained stranded on an unbeaten 17.
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India’s path to the final encountered its fair share of obstacles due to inclement weather conditions. With rain wreaking havoc throughout the tournament, as many as eight matches, including the semifinal against Sri Lanka, were abandoned without a ball being bowled. Consequently, India played only one match in the run-up to the final, where they convincingly defeated hosts Hong Kong by nine wickets in their opener.
