How Did Tejal Hasabnis’ Unbeaten 51 Lead India A to a 46-Run Victory Over Bangladesh A?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bangkok, Feb 22 (NationPress) Tejal Hasabnis delivered an outstanding performance, remaining unbeaten at 51 runs, as India A Women successfully defended their title in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars. They achieved a dominant victory over Bangladesh A Women with a margin of 46 runs in the final held at the Terdthai Cricket Ground on Sunday.
After opting to bat first, India A amassed a total of 134 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs, largely due to Hasabnis’ commendable 51 runs off just 34 balls. In response, Bangladesh A Women were dismissed for 88 runs in 19.1 overs.
India started steadily, scoring 30 runs without losing a wicket in the first five overs. However, the Bangladesh bowlers made a strong comeback, claiming three wickets within two overs, putting the defending champions under pressure.
Fahima Khatun’s team struck again on the first ball of the eighth over, leaving India at 44 for 4. With the pressure mounting, Hasabnis and captain Radha Yadav formed a crucial partnership of 69 runs that not only stabilized the innings but also propelled India past the 100-run mark.
Hasabnis achieved her half-century in 33 balls, remaining not out on 51, including three fours and two sixes. Radha contributed a solid 36 runs off 30 deliveries before her dismissal in the 17th over.
Chasing a target of 135 runs, Bangladesh struggled early, losing opener Ishma Tanjim in the third over, managing only 36 runs in the power play. Wicketkeeper Shamima Sultana, who showed promise, fell soon after the power play with a score of 20.
Despite attempts from Sarmin Sultana (18) and Sadia Akter (10) to build a partnership, India quickly dismissed both players within five balls. Bangladesh stood at 48 for 3 after 10 overs before a sudden collapse against the Indian spin attack saw them lose three more wickets in just five overs, ultimately bowled out for 88.
Prema Rawat was the standout bowler for India A, achieving figures of 3 wickets for just 12 runs, while both Sonia Mendhiya and Tanuja Kanwer collected two wickets each.
This victory marks India’s second triumph in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars, having also clinched the title in its inaugural edition in 2023.