How Did Radha's All-Round Performance Propel India to the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars Final?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bangkok, Feb 20 (NationPress) Captain Radha Yadav showcased an exceptional all-round display, leading India A to a thrilling five-wicket victory against Sri Lanka A in the first semi-final of the ACC Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 at the Terdthai Cricket Ground on Friday, securing their spot in the final with flair.
After being asked to bowl first, Radha's impressive four-wicket haul enabled India A to dismiss Sri Lanka A for a mere 118 runs in just 19.4 overs. In reply, India chased down the target in a swift 13.3 overs for the loss of five wickets, thanks to Dinesh Vrinda's
Initially, Sri Lanka's openers, Hansima Karunaratne and Sanjana Kavindi, started strong, accumulating 36 runs within four overs, but the team quickly lost momentum with back-to-back wickets.
Sanjana formed a brief partnership of 28 runs with Sathya Sandeepani to stabilize the innings, but this collaboration was short-lived, as Sanjana was dismissed for 31 in the 11th over. Sandeepani followed soon after, dismissed in the 13th over.
After losing both established batters, Sri Lanka's batting order crumbled as India claimed successive wickets, with Radha spearheading the attack, supported by Prema Rawat and Tanuja Kanwer, who each took two wickets. Radha concluded with remarkable figures of 4-19.
In their run chase, India began cautiously, scoring 26 runs in four overs. The first wicket fell in the fifth over when Nandini Kashyap was bowled after scoring 13 runs off 16 balls.
Youngster Anushka Sharma, coming in at number three, alleviated the pressure with five boundaries in the next two overs.
Opener Vrinda, who appeared in excellent form, was run out due to a mix-up in the ninth over after contributing 42 runs from just 20 balls. Shortly after, Shashini Gimhani dismissed Anushka for 27.
Despite the loss of wickets, India remained well-positioned at the end of the 10th over, needing only 31 runs to clinch victory. The women in blue wasted no time, wrapping up the match in just 13.3 overs, with skipper Radha hitting the winning boundary and finishing on an unbeaten 31.
India will now compete in the final at the same venue on Sunday against the winner of the Pakistan vs Bangladesh semi-final.