How Did Women’s Rising Star Asia Cup See Vrinda and Spinners Lead India to an 8-Wicket Victory Over Pakistan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bangkok, Feb 15 (NationPress) India A triumphed over Pakistan A by an impressive eight wickets during their Group A encounter in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars on Sunday. After dismissing Pakistan A for a mere 93 runs in 18.5 overs, India A efficiently chased down the target in just 10.1 overs at the Terdthai Cricket Ground.
Right-handed opener Vrinda Dinesh led the charge with an outstanding 55 runs off just 29 balls. The bowlers were equally effective, with Saima Thakor (2-14), captain Radha Yadav (2-11), and Prema Rawat (2-16) combining to take six wickets, establishing a solid foundation for the defending champions to claim their first victory in this tournament.
Minnu Mani and Jintimani Kalita also contributed with one wicket each for India A. Despite a rocky start, where Humairaa Kaazi was dismissed on the first ball by Waheeda Akhtar, Vrinda and Anushka Sharma launched a counterattack, bringing India A to 63-1 by the end of the powerplay.
Even though Anushka fell for 24 in the ninth over, Vrinda continued her momentum, reaching her fifty off just 25 balls, hitting 12 boundaries before being outdone by left-arm spinner Momina Riasat in the ninth over. Tejal Hasabnis wrapped up the innings with flair, hitting a six and a four, leading India A to victory with 59 balls remaining.
Earlier, opting to bat first, Pakistan found themselves in trouble at 21/4 within five overs, with Saima making early strikes. Radha tightened the grip post-powerplay, dismissing Huraina Sajjad and Shawaal Zulfiqar in quick succession, leaving Pakistan reeling at 41/6.
A short partnership of 25 runs between Gull Rukh (21) and Anosha Nasir (17) provided a brief boost, but the last two wickets could only add 15 more runs as Pakistan crumbled for 93.
Continuing the trend seen in recent India-Pakistan encounters, both teams opted not to shake hands at the toss.
With this win, India A has moved up to the second position in Group A after their initial loss to the UAE. They are set to face Nepal in their final group match on Tuesday, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals.
Brief Scores: Pakistan A 93 all out in 18.5 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 23, Gull Rukh 21; Radha Yadav 2-11, Saima Thakor 2-14) lost to India A 97/2 in 10.1 overs (Vrinda Dinesh 55, Anushka Sharma 24; Momina Riasat 1-13, Waheeda Akhtar 1-18) by eight wickets.