Harmanpreet Kaur’s steady 66 and a blazing 64 off 29 balls from Richa Ghosh helped India achieve their highest T20I score of 201/5 defeating UAE by 78 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup in Dambulla on Sunday, july 21.

India dominates

Strong start by Verma and Mandhana

India’s opening pair, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, laid a solid foundation in just 14 balls. Mandhana hit a powerful slog-sweep and a cover drive, while Verma took over with aggressive shots. Though UAE struck back with some quick wickets, India reached 50 runs in just 4.2 overs.

Steadying the ship with Kaur and Rodrigues

Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues focused on running between the wickets to rebuild the innings. Kaur punished any loose balls and formed a crucial partnership with Rodrigues. After Rodrigues fell, Richa Ghosh came in and quickly accelerated the score with a flurry of boundaries, setting up India for a big total.

Final assault by Ghosh and Kaur

Ghosh immediately eased the pressure on Kaur and led the charge in the final overs. Kaur reached her fifty and then hit a series of boundaries before getting run out. Ghosh continued the assault, hitting the last five balls of the innings for boundaries, pushing India to 201/5.

UAE struggles

Pacers put UAE under pressure

India’s pacers, Renuka Thakur and debutant Tanuja Kanwar, started strongly, keeping the runs in check. Despite a few boundaries, UAE’s batters struggled. Pooja Vastrakar bowled a maiden over, and Thakur and Vastrakar took crucial wickets, putting UAE on the back foot early.

Oza fights alone

UAE captain Esha Oza tried to counterattack but lacked support. She hit a few big shots but couldn’t keep up with the required run rate. Kanwar eventually got her stumped on 38, ending her resistance and leaving UAE in trouble.

Kavisha’s late effort

With 108 runs needed from the last five overs, UAE’s lower order couldn’t pull off a miracle. Despite Kavisha Edodage’s unbeaten 40 off 32 balls, UAE fell well short, suffering a heavy defeat.

Player of the Match :Richa Ghosh

“Really happy. When I’m playing with Harry di, she guides me about how the ball is coming on. When the opportunity comes to me, I want to just deliver what I know and what I’m practicing. First four from the cover drive was the favourite moment. Yeah I’m feeling good”

Women’s Asia Cup T20, 2024 Group-B points table