India Continues Winning Streak in Women’s Asia Cup 2024
The Indian women’s cricket team extended their winning streak in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 with a convincing 78-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their Group A match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka’s Dambulla on Sunday.
India’s Batting Performance
India, batting first, posted a total of 201/5 in 20 overs. Opener Smriti Mandhana was the first to fall, dismissed by Kavisha Egodage for 13 off 9 balls, leaving India at 23/1. However, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led the charge, scoring 66 off 47 balls before being run out. She looked in complete control, smashing seven fours and a six during her innings. Wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten at 64 off 29 balls, knocking 12 boundaries and five consecutive hits to the fence in the final over of the innings.
UAE’s Response
In response, the UAE managed to score 121/6 in 20 overs, ultimately losing the match by 78 runs. India’s bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma (2/23), restricted UAE to 123 for 7.
Match Highlights
Earlier, UAE skipper Esha Rohit Oza won the toss and elected to bowl first against India. Smriti Mandhana gave India a good start with a six and a four, but was dismissed by Kavisha Egodage in the third over. Shafali Verma produced some sensational shots, scoring 37 off 18 balls, before being sent back to the pavilion. Skipper Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues then joined hands, keeping the scoreboard ticking, and India crossed the 100-mark in the 11th over.
Partnerships and Performances
The Indian skipper produced two crucial partnerships, adding 54 off 39 balls with Rodrigues and 75 off 45 balls with Ghosh, putting India in a commanding position. For UAE, Kavisha Egodage picked up two wickets (2/36).
Brief Scores
India: 201/5 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 66, Richa Ghosh 64 not out, Shafali Verma 37; Kavisha Egodage 2/36)
UAE: 123/7 in 20 overs (Kavisha Egodage 40 not out, Esha Oza 38; Deepti Sharma 2/23)
Squads
India Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Tanuja Kanwer, Radha Yadav, Dayalan Hemalatha, Renuka Thakur Singh, Richa Ghosh.
UAE Squad: Esha Rohit Oza(c), Theertha Satish(w), Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Kavisha Egodage, Khushi Sharma, Heena Hotchandani, Vaishnave Mahesh, Rithika Rajith, Lavanya Keny, Indhuja Nandakumar.
