The Asia Cup 2024 Women’s Semi final is set to be a thrilling encounter as India takes on Bangladesh. Both teams have shown remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an exciting clash. India, known for their strategic play and powerful batting line-up, have been in formidable form, dominating their group stage matches. Their key players have consistently delivered outstanding performances, making them a formidable force in this competition.

On the other hand, Bangladesh has emerged as a resilient and tenacious team, demonstrating exceptional prowess with both bat and ball. Their journey to the semi finals has been marked by impressive victories and standout individual performances, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level. The stakes are high, and the winner will secure a coveted spot in the Asia Cup 2024 Women’s Final, bringing them one step closer to glory.

See Also: Men’s Hundred 2024: Match Analysis: Where did Birmingham Phoenix went wrong in their innings?

INDW vs BANW: Key Batters Poised to Shine in Women’s Semi-Finals

Shafali Verma: Shafali Verma has been a standout performer for the Indian women’s cricket team in the Asia Cup 2024. With 270 runs in 10 matches, she boasts an impressive average of 33.75 and a striking strike rate of 141.36. Known for her aggressive batting style, Shafali has consistently provided India with explosive starts, putting the opposition bowlers under immense pressure. Her ability to score quickly and dominate the powerplay overs has been a crucial factor in India’s successful campaign so far.

Smriti Mandhana: Smriti Mandhana, another key player for India, has been in sublime form throughout the tournament. Accumulating 265 runs in 10 matches, she has maintained an excellent average of 44.17 and a strike rate of 131.18. Smriti’s elegant stroke play and ability to build innings have made her a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup. Her consistency at the top of the order has not only provided stability but also allowed the middle order to play more freely. Her contributions have been vital in setting competitive totals and chasing down targets effectively.

Murshida Khatun: For Bangladesh, Murshida Khatun has been a significant contributor with the bat. In 8 matches, she has scored 208 runs at an average of 26 and a strike rate of 96.29. While her statistics may not seem as flashy as some of her counterparts, Murshida’s role in the team has been crucial. She has provided solid starts and has anchored the innings, allowing the more aggressive batters to play around her. Her ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking has been essential in building partnerships and laying the foundation for competitive totals.

Nigar Sultana: Nigar Sultana has been a pivotal figure for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2024. With 236 runs in 10 matches, she has an average of 33.71 and a strike rate of 95.16. As a middle-order batter, Nigar has often found herself in pressure situations, where she has shown remarkable composure and resilience. Her knack for playing crucial knocks and guiding her team through tough phases has been invaluable. Nigar’s performances have not only steadied the ship for Bangladesh but have also propelled them to key victories, making her a player to watch in the semifinals.

See Also: Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Player Analysis: Richa Ghosh: The Next Evolution in Indian Women’s Cricket

India ended their league matches with a perfect win record by beating Nepal by 82 runs in Dambulla on Tuesday (July 23). With this victory, India secured a spot in the semifinals. Earlier, Purla also confirmed their semifinal place from Group A by defeating UAE.

Shafali Verma’s Knock Leads India’s Strong Batting Performance

Shafali Verma’s impressive 81 off 48 balls and her 122-run opening stand with Dayalan Hemalatha (47 off 42) set the tone for India’s batting. Although the run rate slowed after the openers fell, India posted a strong total of 178. This proved too much for Nepal as Deepti Sharma (3-13) and Radha Yadav (2-12) shone with the ball.

Even without regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pooja Vastrakar, India had enough strength to comfortably outplay Nepal. The gap in experience and skill was clear, as India faced little challenge. Despite their limited resources and inexperience, Nepal fought hard, especially with the ball, to keep India from a bigger total after the strong opening stand. However, these small victories were all Nepal could achieve as India cruised to victory.

India’s batting phases

Powerplay: Strong start with new opening pair

Stand in captain Smriti Mandhana gave others a chance to bat, resulting in a new opening pair. Dayalan Hemalatha and Shafali Verma started, with Shafali quickly hitting boundaries to set the pace. Hemalatha struggled with timing, but India still had a solid start.

Middle overs: Shafali accelerates

Nepal hoped for relief after the powerplay, but Shafali kept hitting boundaries, including a big hit off Rubina Chhetry. Hemalatha also hit a six but couldn’t find rhythm. She was caught in the 12th over, but Shafali continued India’s strong progress.

Death overs: Nepal slows down India

Nepal did well to limit India to a run rate of just over 9 in the final overs. Shafali fell in the 16th over, slowing the pace. Jemimah Rodrigues’ 15-ball 28 pushed the total past 175, but Nepal managed to prevent a bigger score.

Nepal’s batting phases

Powerplay: India’s seamers strike early

Opener Samjhana Khadka started strong but was bowled by Arundhati Reddy in the second over. Kabita Kunwar also fell quickly. Nepal captain Indu Barma and Sita Rana Magar hit a few boundaries, but the overall scoring was too slow.

Middle overs: Nepal struggles against India’s bowlers

Nepal’s chase stalled after a weak powerplay. Arundhati Reddy and Deepti Sharma took crucial wickets, and the scoring rate dropped. Only three boundaries came in the middle overs, with Deepti and Radha Yadav controlling the game. Rubina Chhetry hit a six but soon fell to Deepti.

Death overs: India wraps up the game

The match was decided early, with Nepal only trying to bat out their overs. Bindu Rawal’s unbeaten 19-ball 17 helped Nepal avoid a complete collapse. Deepti and Radha each took a wicket, but Nepal’s last-wicket pair survived the full 20 overs.

Player of the Match (Shafali Verma)

“I just tried to back my strenghth, and it worked. The consistency is coming, but I want to finish better. To score 200 [like she did against South Africa recently] is a big thing for a batter, and I got a lot of confidence from it. I hope I continue to do well for the team.”

The Indian women’s cricket team put up an impressive score of 178 runs against Nepal in their final group stage match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. Opener Shafali Verma was the standout performer, scoring 81 runs off 48 balls.

India won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that worked out well. Shafali Verma and Dayalan Hemalatha provided a strong start, bringing the team to 91 runs within the first 10 overs. They continued their good form, adding 23 more runs in the next 3 overs.

Shafali Verma shines with 81 runs

Shafali Verma along with Dayalan Hemalatha, laid a solid foundation for India with a partnership of 122 runs. Sita Rana Magar was Nepal’s top wicket taker, claiming 2 wickets for 25 runs in 4 overs.

Hemalatha was dismissed in the 14th over after scoring 47 runs from 42 balls. Soon after, Shafali was stumped while attempting a big shot having hit 12 fours and a six in her innings.

Final overs Surge: India scores 35 runs

After the fall of Hemalatha and Shafali, India’s scoring rate slowed down. They managed only 12 runs in the 16th and 17th overs. However, the team bounced back in the final 3 overs, scoring 35 runs to finish their innings at 178 runs.

Overall, India’s strong start and late surge ensured a solid total. Despite a slowdown in the middle overs, the team’s final push helped them set a challenging target for Nepal.

India started their Asia Cup campaign with a bang, defeating Pakistan by seven wickets in Dambulla on Friday. Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Match, led a disciplined bowling effort, taking 3-20 to restrict Pakistan to just 108 runs. Openers Smriti Mandhana (45 off 31) and Shafali Verma (40 off 29) then chased down the target with ease, launching India’s title defense in style.

Powerplay: India’s strong start

Nida Dar chose to bat first on a dry, batting friendly pitch, but Pakistan’s top order struggled against Pooja Vastrakar’s early strikes. In contrast, India’s openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma went after the Pakistani bowlers, scoring at 9.5 runs per over in the first six overs. Pakistan managed only one double-digit over in their PowerPlay, with India’s pacers applying constant pressure in windy conditions.

Pakistan’s struggle: Vastrakar removes openers early

Pooja Vastrakar was in top form, removing both Pakistan openers in her PowerPlay overs. She used the short ball effectively, and despite a boundary off her first ball, she quickly took control. Pakistan’s top order couldn’t recover, managing only a few boundaries in the first six overs.

Spinners and Renuka Thakur keep Pakistan in check

India’s spinners took over, with Patil striking in her first over. Aliya Riaz fell to a leading edge, and with Harmanpreet Kaur also bowling spin, Pakistan crawled to 53/3 at the halfway mark. Vastrakar’s return added pressure, leading to the dismissal of Pakistan’s captain, Dar. Renuka Thakur then took two quick wickets in her final over, leaving Pakistan struggling.

Late counterattack curbed by off-spinners

Tuba Hassan and Fatima Sana provided some resistance, adding 31 runs for the ninth wicket. Tuba was aggressive, hitting boundaries off Deepti, Vastrakar, and Shreyanka, but Deepti dismissed her soon after. A run-out and a quick wicket by Patil ended Pakistan’s innings at 108 with four balls left.

India’s chase

Verma’s blazing start

Pakistan started with spin, but Shafali Verma quickly punished Sadia Iqbal. Verma and Mandhana kept the score ticking with boundaries, racing to 57 runs in the PowerPlay. Verma’s aggressive batting set the tone, hitting Fatima Sana for consecutive boundaries.

Mandhana seals the deal

Nashra Sandhu provided brief respite with a tight over, but Mandhana’s onslaught on Tuba ended Pakistan’s hopes. Mandhana hit five boundaries in one over, reaching 45 before being dismissed. Verma also fell, but D Hemalatha maintained the momentum with quick boundaries. Despite Sandhu’s late strike, India easily completed the chase in the 15th over.

POTM

Deepti Sharma received the Player of the Match award for her outstanding performance with the ball, taking 3-20.

Women’s Asia Cup T20, 2024 – Group A:

The ninth edition of the Women’s Asia Cup will begin on July 19. A total of 12 group-stage matches will take place until July 24, following which the semi-finals will be held on July 26 and the final on July 28 at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium as well.

Eight teams are divided equally into two groups that will play for the trophy. Defending champions India will start their title defence with Group A rivals Pakistan on July 19 as well. They will play UAE and Nepal later in the group stage as well. On the other hand, Hosts Sri Lanka are placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Thailand and Malaysia. The top two sides from each group will play in the knockouts.

The inaugural Women’s Asia Cup was held in 2004 in Sri Lanka where the first four seasons were played in the ODI format as well. However, India are the most successful team in the competition, having made it to the final on eight occasions and winning seven of them as well. Their sole loss came against Bangladesh in 2018 as well.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have been runners-up five times while Pakistan made it to the final twice as well.

SEE ALSO: ‘It’s coming home’ – Team India to reach New Delhi on Thursday

Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Full schedule (All timings are local)

Friday, July 19 – Group A: United Arab Emirates vs Nepal, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 2:00 PM
Friday, July 19 – Group A: India vs Pakistan, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 7:00 PM

Saturday, July 20 – Group B: Malaysia vs Thailand, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 2:00 PM
Saturday, July 20 – Group B: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 7:00 PM

Sunday, July 21 – Group A: India vs United Arab Emirates, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 2:00 PM
Sunday, July 21 – Group A: Pakistan vs Nepal, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 7:00 PM

Monday, July 22 – Group B: Sri Lanka vs Malaysia, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 2:00 PM
Monday, July 22 – Group B: Bangladesh vs Thailand, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 7:00 PM

Tuesday, July 23 – Group A: Pakistan vs United Arab Emirates, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 2:00 PM
Tuesday, July 23 – Group A: India vs Nepal, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, July 24 – Group B: Bangladesh vs Malaysia, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 2:00 PM
Wednesday, July 24 – Group B: Sri Lanka vs Thailand, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 7:00 PM

Friday, July 26 – Semi-final 1, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 2:00 PM
Friday, July 26 – Semi-final 2, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 7:00 PM

Sunday, July 28 – Final, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, 7:00 PM

India Women’s cricket team delivered an outstanding performance and secured a significant win against South Africa on July 9, leveling their 3 match T20I series at 1-1. After losing heavily to Laura Wolvaardt’s team in the first match and having the second game washed out, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team played with great determination at the MA Chidambaram Stadium and defeated South Africa by 10 wickets.

Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma had been getting a lot of attention for their success in the recent Test series and the first T20I match. However, it was the bowlers who made sure India won on Tuesday. Harmanpreet chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and this decision paid off as they restricted South Africa to just 84 runs.

South Africa’s collapse after early wickets

Even though South Africa batted well in the first match, players like Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp couldn’t make a significant impact this time. Brits, who scored 81 runs in the previous game, managed only 20 runs off 23 balls. After their captain Wolvaardt got out early, South Africa struggled to recover.

The South African middle order, including Kapp and Nadine de Klerk, fell to Pooja Vastrakar’s precise bowling. With the batting order collapsing, South Africa’s bowlers didn’t have much of a chance, and the match ended in just 10.5 overs.

Vastrakar and Yadav’s bowling feats

India’s bowlers, Pooja Vastrakar and Radha Yadav shone brightly in Chennai. Vastrakar’s 3-14 spell was crucial, taking out key players like Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, and Nadine de Klerk, all of whom had been scoring well for South Africa.

Radha Yadav also played a vital role with her 3-6 spell, dismissing Annerie Dercksen and further diminishing South Africa’s hopes of making a comeback. Their combined efforts ensured a dominant win for India.

IND-W vs SA-W 3rd T20 2024 short scores: South Africa 84/10 in 17.1 overs (T Brits 20; P Vastrakar 4-13, R Yadav 3-6) lost to India 88/0 in 10.5 overs (S Mandhana 54*, S Verma 27*) by 10 wickets.

The Indian women’s team made history as they scored a record total of 603/6 against the South African women’s team in the one-off Test match at the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as well. Day 2 of the Test match saw India continuing their dominance from the last day. India also surpassed Australia’s record for the highest team total on June 29, Saturday as well.

Earlier, Australia had a record of 575/9d against South Africa in February 2024. India surpassed their total to make history by holding the record yet again against the same opponents. However, India created a lot of records as they had the upperhand throughout the innings.

After opting to bat first, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana set the platform for India as they smashed their respective hundreds. Their stunning knocks put the Proteas on the back foot as the duo scored freely all over the park. The duo shared a record partnership of 292 runs, which is the highest ever by an opening pair in women’s Tests as well. Mandhana got out for 149 runs whereas Shafali Verma smashed a scintillating double ton.

SEE ALSO: India-w vs South Africa-w Day 1 highlights: Shafali’s double century drives India to record-breaking opening day

She went on to score 205 and reached the 200-run mark in only 194 balls, the fastest in a Women’s Test. However, she missed out on breaking former India captain Mithali Raj’s record of the highest score for India in Women’s Tests as she was run out due to a mix-up with Jemimah Rodrigues.

Despite her dismissal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh played well and India put up 525 runs on the board, the highest for any team on a single day’s play as well. Jemimah Rodrigues also scored a fifty and Harmanpreet Kaur along with Richa Ghosh kept the scoreboard ticking on Day 1. Notably, Harmanpreet (69) and Richa (86) missed out on scoring hundreds as India declared the innings at 603.

Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana put on a stunning performance, scoring 292 runs for the first wicket. Shafali’s incredible batting led to her first-ever double hundred, breaking Mithali Raj’s record for the highest individual score by an Indian woman in Test cricket.

On Friday, June 28, in Chennai, young Shafali Verma helped India reach over 400 runs on the first day of their only Test match against South Africa. She scored an impressive 205 runs off just 197 balls, making it the fastest double century in women’s Test cricket history.

Shafali Verma’s Remarkable Achievement

At just 20 years old, Shafali shattered the previous record held by Australian star Annabel Sutherland, who scored a double century in 248 balls against South Africa in February 2024. Shafali’s achievement not only broke this record but also made her the second Indian woman and the tenth overall to score a double hundred in women’s Tests.

Shafali’s incredible performance, alongside Smriti Mandhana’s strong support, has set a new benchmark in women’s cricket. Their partnership and Shafali’s record-breaking double century have made this match unforgettable for cricket fans worldwide.

Fastest Double Hundreds in Women’s Tests

194 balls – Shafali Verma (IND) vs SA (2024)*

256 balls – Annabel Sutherland (AUS) vs SA (2024)

313 balls – Karen Rolton (AUS) vs ENG (2001)

SEE ALSO: Axar Patel shares ‘knockout mindset’ after India reach T20 World Cup 2024 final

The Women’s Premier League 2024 final has kicked off with a bang as Shafali Verma showcases her batting prowess while receiving solid support from Meg Lanning. Delhi Capitals have begun their innings with an explosive start against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

Explosive Start by Delhi Capitals

Shafali Verma has set the stage on fire with her aggressive batting display, taking the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers to task right from the outset. In the powerplay overs, Delhi Capitals amassed a formidable total of 61 runs in the first six overs, laying a solid foundation for their innings. This blistering start reflects the team’s determination to dominate the final match and clinch the title.

See Also: Rohit wants Kohli, report claims amidst T20 World Cup squad speculations

Impact of Shafali Verma’s Performance

Shafali Verma’s stellar performance in the powerplay overs deserves special mention, as she single-handedly dismantled the opposition’s bowling attack. Her fearless approach and attacking mindset have put the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers under immense pressure, setting the tone for Delhi Capitals’ batting onslaught in the crucial encounter. Shafali Verma scored 44 runs off 27 balls and missed her fifty with consecutive fifty with just 6 runs but she has done her work. Captian Meg Lanning also gone just 23 runs off 23 balls.

Comeback from Sophie Molineux

Sophie Molineux struck thrice in one over to against Delhi Capitals’ progress in the ongoing final of WPL 2024. She took wickets of Shafali, Jemimah and Capsey for RCB in an over. RCB are bossing this game at the moment. Currently DC at 74/4 after 11 Overs.

Delhi Capitals’ Strategy: Opting to Bat First

Under Meg Lanning’s leadership, Delhi Capitals made a strategic decision to bat first after winning the toss. This decision reflects their confidence in their batting lineup and intent to post a challenging total on the board.

Meg Lanning’s Leadership and Delhi Capitals’ Journey

Meg Lanning’s astute captaincy has successfully guided Delhi Capitals to the Women’s Premier League 2024 summit clash. With 12 points from eight games, Delhi Capitals topped the league table and secured a direct berth in the final. Lanning’s leadership qualities and tactical acumen have been pivotal in steering the team through the challenges of the tournament.

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Path to the Final

On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Smriti Mandhana, finished third in the league phase and faced Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator. Despite a few setbacks, they have showcased resilience and determination to reach the final, setting the stage for an enthralling contest against Delhi Capitals.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) cricket league has shown spectators both skill and robust rivalry, with batters frequently deciding the outcome of games. As the competition prepares for another exciting season, all eyes are focused on the top performers.

The second season of the WPL will include more young players looking to showcase their abilities and make a name for themselves. Some players stand out as possible match-winners in this highly competitive competition due to their constant run-scoring skills. The hitters have been the standout of any team’s game-winning performances. So, let’s take a closer look at the top three batters to watch out for in the upcoming season of WPL, who have the potential to make a solid impact with the willow to emerge as the highest run-scorer and earn the Orange Cap in the WPL 2024.

Nat-Sciver Brunt

Nat-Sciver Brunt is one of the most experienced batters in the event. The English hitter has been constant with the bat, and her ability to play according to the game’s circumstances sets her apart from others. She displayed her abilities during the league’s initial season by significantly bolstering the Mumbai Indians middle-order batting.

The 31-year-old hitter had the second-highest run total in the competition, scoring 332 runs in ten games with a commendable average of 66.40 and a high score of 72* against the UP Warriorz. And it is evident how she would contribute to the defending champions in the upcoming season in the form of her runs count.

Shafali Verma

Shafali Varma, an Indian batswoman who made a mark in the female cricketing world at the teenage age of 16, has done the talking, using her aggressive and assertive batting approach to sum up her career. In the inaugural season of the WPL, she got the chance to represent the Delhi Capitals and made the team’s opening pair with the former Orange Cap holder Meg Lanning.

Thanks to her swashbuckling approach of middling the ball, she has earned the best strike rate of the whole tournament by scoring an impressive 252 runs in nine matches, with two half-centuries and a colossal strike rate of 185.29 for the Capitals. As it suggests, many cricketing fans await to see her bat do the talking and be a contender to score the highest runs in the second WPL edition.

Alyssa Healy

The 33-year-old batswoman from down under, Alyssa Healy, has had an impeccable previous WPL season with her inaugural stint with the UP Warriorz. Accredited for her consistency and turning the game in her team’s favour, Healy has scored an impressive 253 runs in her nine-game timeline.

She also has a fantastic average of 31.62 runs per match and a strike rate of 141.34. Her achievements on the pitch have aided UP Warriorz Women’s campaign, displaying her potential to thrive in the WPL’s fierce competition. And it is no surprise that she could be one of the robust contenders for the orange cap in the coming edition.