The dream of a historic continental triumph remained elusive for the Bangladesh ‘A’ women’s team as they succumbed to a clinical India ‘A’ side in the final of the Asia Cup Rising Stars Tournament. Despite a spirited bowling performance earlier in the day, the Bangladeshi batters failed to rise to the occasion, resulting in a 46-run defeat in Bangkok, Thailand.
A Tale of Two Innings
When India ‘A’ posted a modest total of 134 for 7 after electing to bat first, local fans were cautiously optimistic. The target seemed achievable on a pitch where the ball was coming onto the bat reasonably well. However, the pressure of a final proved to be the undoing of Fahima Khatun’s side.
Bangladesh’s chase began with some promise, reaching 36 for 1 within the Powerplay. However, the momentum shifted dramatically thereafter. As the asking rate climbed, the batting line-up crumbled under the weight of disciplined Indian bowling. From a position of 48 for 3 after 10 overs, the team collapsed, losing their final seven wickets for just 40 runs. They were eventually bundled out for a mere 88 runs in 19.1 overs.
Key Performance Indicators
The match was defined by individual brilliance amidst team struggles. Indian leg-spinner Prema Rawat was the pick of the bowlers, dismantling the middle order with figures of 3 for 12. For Bangladesh, the veteran Fahima Khatun led from the front with the ball, taking 4 for 25, but her efforts were overshadowed by a match-winning unbeaten half-century from India’s Tejal Hasabnis.
| Team | Score | Top Performer (Batting) | Top Performer (Bowling) |
| India ‘A’ | 134/7 (20.0) | Tejal Hasabnis (51*) | Prema Rawat (3/12) |
| Bangladesh ‘A’ | 88 (19.1) | Shamima Sultana (20) | Fahima Khatun (4/25) |
Turning Points
The decisive factor was the fifth-wicket partnership between Radha Yadav (36) and Tejal Hasabnis (51)*. The pair put on a resilient 69-run stand after India was reeling at 53 for 4. A critical moment occurred in the final over when Sharmin Sultana dropped a straightforward catch of Hasabnis; the Indian batter capitalised on the life to push the total beyond 130—a psychological barrier that Bangladesh ultimately could not breach.
This victory marks India ‘A’s second consecutive title in this tournament, having previously defeated Bangladesh in the inaugural 2023 edition held in Hong Kong. While the “Rising Stars” of Bangladesh showed glimpses of brilliance throughout the tournament, their struggle with batting consistency in high-pressure matches remains a focal point for future development.