ISLAMABAD: India U-23 women’s cricket team secured a resounding victory over Bangladesh to claim the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup T20 title at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground on Wednesday.

After a modest batting performance, the Indian spin duo of Shreyanka Patil and Mannat Kashyap delivered a sensational bowling display, guiding their team to a 31-run triumph.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, India posted a moderate total of 127 for seven in their allotted overs.

The bowlers then showcased their mettle, with Patil (4/13) and Kashyap (3/20) wreaking havoc by taking seven wickets collectively. Off-break bowler Kanika Ahuja (2/23) also contributed with two crucial dismissals.

Patil’s off-spin and Kashyap’s slow left-arm orthodox bowling proved to be the undoing of the Bangladeshi batters, who were bundled out for 96 in 19.2 overs.

Sobhana Mostary and Nahida Akter were the top scorers for Bangladesh, both managing 16 runs each while Nahida Akter remained unbeaten on 17.

Earlier, Dinesh Vrinda top-scored for India with 36 runs off 29 deliveries, followed by an unbeaten 30 off 23 balls from Ahuja. However, the Indian batters faced a tough challenge from the disciplined Bangladeshi bowlers, who picked up wickets at regular intervals.

Only four Indian batters managed double-digit scores, with Vrinda, Ahuja, wicket-keeper U Chetry (22), and captain Shweta Sehrawat (13) providing some stability.

Bangladesh’s Nahida (2/13) and Sultana Khatun (2/30) were the standout bowlers for their team, claiming two wickets apiece.

India’s road to the final was marred by unfortunate weather conditions, as three of their matches, including the semi-final against Sri Lanka, were abandoned due to rain.

In a peculiar turn of events, the team only played one match in the tournament, their opener against hosts Hong Kong, which they convincingly won by nine wickets.

Persistent rainfall affected a total of eight games in the competition, disappointing both players and fans alike.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2023