Bangladesh ‘A’ must chase 135 to clinch the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars title after India ‘A’ posted a competitive 134 for 7 in the final at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok.
Having won the toss, India ‘A’ elected to bat first on what appeared to be a steady surface offering modest assistance to the spinners. Bangladesh, however, began with discipline and intensity, restricting the flow of runs during the Powerplay. After six overs, India had reached only 32 for 1, a testament to Bangladesh’s tight lines and sharp work in the field.
The breakthrough came in the sixth over when left-arm spinner Fatema Jahan dismissed opener Dinesh Vrinda for 19. The pressure intensified in the following over as pace bowler Farzana Yasmin struck twice in quick succession. Nandini Kashyap (8) was run out off the first delivery, and on the very next ball Sanjida Akter edged to Minnu Moni without scoring. At the halfway stage, India were struggling at 53 for 4.
Leg-spinner and captain Fahima Khatun played a pivotal role in consolidating Bangladesh’s grip. She removed Anushka Sharma (8) in the ninth over and maintained relentless control through her spell. By varying her pace cleverly, Fahima disrupted India’s rhythm and prevented any sustained acceleration.
India’s recovery was engineered by skipper Radha Yadav and Tejal Hasabnis, who combined for a crucial 69-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Their stand steadied the innings and gradually shifted momentum. Radha compiled a composed 36 before falling in the 17th over with the score at 113 for 5. Two deliveries later, Fahima struck again to dismiss Tanuja Kanwar, further underlining her influence on the contest.
In the final five overs, India added 41 runs but lost three wickets in the process. Tejal Hasabnis remained unbeaten on a fluent 51 from 34 deliveries, anchoring the innings with calculated aggression. She was reprieved in the final over when Sharmin dropped a straightforward chance—an opportunity Bangladesh may rue in a closely fought final.
Bangladesh’s fielding, nonetheless, featured moments of excellence. In the 19th over, Farzana Yasmin sprinted from the boundary and completed a diving catch to remove Prema Rawat, while another sharp take accounted for Radha Yadav earlier in the innings.
Match Summary
| Team | Overs | Score | Key Batters | Key Bowlers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India ‘A’ | 20 | 134/7 | Tejal 51* (34), Radha 36, Vrinda 19 | Fahima 4/25, Fatema 1/19, Farzana 1/30 |
Fahima’s figures of 4 for 25 from four overs stand out as the defining bowling performance of the innings. Her spell not only curtailed scoring but also dismantled India’s middle order at critical junctures.
A target of 135 in a Twenty20 final is both challenging and attainable. Much will depend on Bangladesh’s start and their ability to negotiate India’s spin threat in the middle overs. With composure and calculated aggression, Bangladesh ‘A’ have a realistic opportunity to lift the trophy.