India A Women marched into the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars final after a dominant five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka A Women at the Terdthai Cricket Ground on Thursday.
A complete all-round display from Radha Yadav proved the difference as India comfortably chased down 119 with 39 balls remaining to set up a title clash against Bangladesh on Sunday, February 22. Bangladesh secured their final berth in emphatic fashion, defending 110 and skittling Pakistan for just 56 in 16.4 overs to seal a comprehensive 54-run win in the second semi-final.
India Restrict Sri Lanka to 118
After opting to bat, Sri Lanka A Women struggled to gain sustained momentum and were bowled out for 118 in 19.4 overs. Sanjana Kavindi top-scored with 31 off 35 balls, while Shashini Gimhani chipped in with 22, but regular wickets derailed their innings.
Radha led the bowling effort brilliantly, returning figures of 4 for 19 in 3.4 overs. Her sharp left-arm spin dismantled the middle order and ensured Sri Lanka could not accelerate at the death. Prema Rawat complemented her with a miserly spell of 2 for 9 in four overs, while Tanuja Kanwar also bagged two wickets to maintain pressure throughout.
Clinical Chase Seals the Deal
India’s pursuit began with an early setback as Nandini Kashyap fell cheaply, but Dinesh Vrinda quickly shifted the momentum. She hammered 42 off just 20 deliveries, striking eight boundaries in a counterattacking knock that broke the back of the chase.
Anushka Sharma added a fluent 27 to steady the innings. Though Shashini Gimhani picked up two wickets to offer Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope, Radha once again stepped up — this time with the bat.
Leading from the front, she remained unbeaten on 31 off 18 balls, striking seven fours to finish the contest in style as India A reached 119 for 5 in just 13.3 overs.
With Radha Yadav in inspired form and the team carrying strong momentum, India A Women will head into the final against Bangladesh brimming with confidence.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka A Women: 118 all out in 19.4 overs (Sanjana Kavindi 31, Shashini Gimhani 22; Radha Yadav 4/19, Prema Rawat 2/9)
India A Women: 119/5 in 13.3 overs (Dinesh Vrinda 42, Radha Yadav 31*; Shashini Gimhani 2/33)
Result: India A Women won by five wickets
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