India Women’s Team Clinches Emerging Asia Cup T20 Title

India U-23 Women’s team emerged victorious in the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup T20 final against Bangladesh in Mong Kok.

Opting to bat first, India posted a modest total of 127/7. The Indian bowlers, led by Shreyanka Patil (4/13) and Mannat Kashyap (3/20), showcased an impressive spin display, bundling out Bangladesh for 96 runs in 19.2 overs. Kanika Ahuja (2/23) also contributed with two wickets. Patil and Kashyap dominated the slow Mission Road Ground pitch with their off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox bowling, respectively.

Dinesh Vrinda top-scored for India with 36 off 29 deliveries, while Kanika Ahuja remained unbeaten on 30 off 23 balls. The Indian batters faced difficulties, with only four of them reaching double-digit scores. The Bangladesh bowlers consistently took wickets, preventing India from building significant partnerships. Apart from Vrinda and Ahuja, U Chetry (22) and captain Shweta Sehrawat (13) were the only other Indian batters to reach double digits. Nahida Akter (2/13) and Sultana Khatun (2/30) took two wickets each for Bangladesh.

India’s path to the final was affected by rain, as their semifinal against Sri Lanka was washed out without a ball being bowled. Remarkably, India played only one match prior to the final, defeating hosts Hong Kong by nine wickets. Due to rain, three of India’s other matches, including the semifinal, were also abandoned. The tournament experienced significant disruptions, with eight games washed out in total.