Women's Asia Cup 2024: India Storms into Semis with Commanding Win Over Nepal

India secured a semi-final spot in the Women's Asia Cup 2024 after a dominant 82-run victory over Nepal on Tuesday in Dambulla. This win not only advanced India but also confirmed Pakistan's place in the top four.

→ Match Venue: Dambulla, Sri Lanka

→ Date: July 23, 2024

Result: India won by 82 runs.

India's Batting performance

Shafali Verma:

• Runs: 81 off 48 balls.
• Boundaries: 12 fours, 1 six
• Partnership: 122 runs for the opening wicket with Dayalan Hemalatha

Notable Achievement: Fastest half-century of the tournament, reaching 50 in 26 balls

Dayalan Hemalatha:

• Runs: 47 off 42 balls
• Boundaries: 5 fours, 1 six
• Contribution: Provided solid support to Shafali, ensuring a strong start for India.

Jemimah Rodrigues:

• Runs: 28 off 15 balls.
• Boundaries: 3 fours
• Role: Played a crucial cameo to boost India's total in the final overs.

India's Bowling dominance

Deepti Sharma:

• Wickets: 3 for 13
• Overs: 4
• Economy: 3.25

Notable Achievement: Became the third-highest wicket-taker in women's T20Is, surpassing notable players like England's Sophie Ecclestone and Australia's Ellyse Perry.

Radha Yadav:

• Wickets: 2 for 12.
• Overs: 4
• Economy: 3.00
• Contribution: Kept the pressure on Nepal's middle order

Arundhati Reddy:

• Wickets: 2 for 18.
• Overs: 4
• Economy: 4.50
• Role: Struck early to dismiss Nepal's openers, setting the tone for India's bowling attack.

Nepal's Struggle

Nepal faced a tough challenge, needing to chase down 179 in just 10 overs to surpass Pakistan on net run rate. They ended their innings at 96 for 9 in 20 overs, with India's bowlers maintaining tight control throughout.

Nepal's Key Performances

Sita Rana Magar:

• Runs: 18 off 22 balls
• Boundaries: 3 fours
• Wickets: 2 for 25
• Overs: 4
• Economy: 6.25

Indu Barma:

• Runs: 14 off 19 balls
• Boundaries: 2 fours

Detailed Scorecard

Summary

India's comprehensive performance, both with the bat and ball, ensured their smooth passage to the semi-finals of the Women's Asia Cup 2024. The team displayed depth and versatility, resting key players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Pooja Vastrakar while giving opportunities to others. With this victory, they await their semi-final opponent, with Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Malaysia all in contention to advance.

Additional Insights

♦ Team Strategy: India rested their regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and key bowler Pooja Vastrakar, showing confidence in their squad depth. Smriti Mandhana, who led in Kaur’s absence, opted to bat first after winning the toss, a decision that paid off handsomely.

♦ Emerging Players: The match provided a platform for emerging players like Dayalan Hemalatha and Sajeevan Sajana to showcase their skills. Hemalatha's significant contribution with the bat was particularly noteworthy.

♦ Bowling Prowess: India's bowlers were exceptional, with Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav continuing their impressive form from previous matches. Arundhati Reddy's early breakthroughs were crucial in dismantling Nepal's top order.

♦ Fielding Excellence: India's fielding was sharp, with crucial catches and run-outs, including a direct throw by Deepti Sharma that led to a key wicket.

Path Ahead

India's next challenge will be the semi-finals, where they will face a strong opponent. The team will look to continue their dominant performance and aim for the championship title. With their current form, India is poised to be a formidable contender in the knockout stages.

India’s emphatic victory against Nepal underscores their strength and depth in women's cricket, reinforcing their position as a leading team in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024.

Inputs by Agencies
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