In a pivotal semifinal encounter, Bangladesh Women opted to bat first after winning the toss, but the decision backfired as they lost three wickets within the powerplay. Renuka Singh Thakur delivered a masterclass with the ball, finishing with remarkable figures of 3/10 in her four overs. Captain Nigar Sultana tried to steady the innings with a patient 32 off 51 balls, but wickets kept falling around her.

Shorna Akter’s unbeaten 19 off 18 balls provided some late resistance, but Bangladesh could only post 80/8 in their 20 overs. Alongside Renuka’s brilliance, Radha Yadav also shone with three wickets, while Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma each took one. In reply, Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana swiftly chased down the target, racing to 70 after just 10 overs and effectively ending the contest early. Bangladesh’s fielding woes, including dropped catches and a costly no-ball that gave Smriti Mandhana a second chance, proved detrimental.

Smriti Mandhana seized the opportunity, scoring a quick half-century and finishing the game with a boundary. India’s commanding performance with both bat and ball secured their place in the final, highlighting their dominance throughout the match.

See Also: Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Pre-match Analysis: How can Pakistan Women neutralize Chamari Athapaththu’s Threat?

Renuka Singh Thakur’s Stellar Spell: 3/10 in Four Overs

In the crucial semifinal clash between India Women and Bangladesh Women, Renuka Singh Thakur delivered a spell of bowling brilliance that left the opposition reeling. Her disciplined and incisive bowling played a pivotal role in dismantling the Bangladesh batting lineup, starting with her first wicket. Renuka’s initial breakthrough came with a pitched-up delivery outside off in the good length area. With a hint of swing, Akter swung her bat, only to find the lone fielder on the leg side at deep square leg, falling victim to Renuka’s precise line and length.

Renuka’s second wicket was a mirror image of her first, further demonstrating her ability to exploit the conditions and outthink the batters. She bowled a length ball around off in the good length area, with a subtle swing into the stumps. Tanjim, aiming to go over cover, mistimed her shot and ended up offering a simple catch. The resemblance to the previous dismissal highlighted Renuka’s strategic prowess, as she continued to apply relentless pressure on the Bangladesh batters.

The third wicket for Renuka was a testament to her versatility and tactical acumen. She bowled a length ball around middle and leg in the back-of-length area, targeting Khatun. Desperate to break free from the shackles, Khatun attempted an aggressive shot but only managed to mistime it, resulting in another straightforward catch. Renuka’s ability to mix her lengths and maintain a tight line ensured that the Bangladesh batters never settled at the crease.

By the end of her spell, Renuka Singh Thakur had remarkable figures of 3/10 in four overs, including a maiden over, with an impressive economy rate of 2.5. Her disciplined bowling allowed only one boundary, underscoring her dominance and control over the game. Renuka’s performance not only stifled the Bangladesh batting lineup but also set the tone for India’s commanding position in the match.

Renuka’s exceptional spell was a masterclass in seam bowling, blending accuracy, swing, and tactical intelligence. Her ability to extract movement from the pitch and consistently hit the right areas made her a nightmare for the Bangladesh batters. As she walked off the field, her team celebrated a bowling performance that will be remembered as one of the highlights of the Asia Cup 2024 Women’s tournament. This spell not only propelled India to a dominant position but also showcased Renuka Singh Thakur’s growing stature as a key player in the Indian bowling attack.

See Also: Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Pre-match Analysis: Can the Bangladesh Women Outplay the Formidable Indian Side?

The second semifinal of the Asia Cup 2024 Women’s tournament features a compelling matchup between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Women have emerged as the dominant force in Group B, maintaining an unblemished record throughout the group stages. Their impressive journey was highlighted by a commanding 144-run victory, demonstrating their batting depth and bowling prowess. Additionally, their ability to chase down targets with authority in two decisive matches showcased their balanced and formidable lineup.

As they prepare to face Pakistan, Sri Lanka will look to carry forward their momentum and continue their unbeaten run to secure a place in the final. On the other hand, Pakistan Women have shown remarkable resilience and determination to reach the semifinals. After an initial setback against their arch-rivals, India Women, where they suffered a comprehensive defeat by seven wickets, Pakistan made a robust recovery.

They bounced back with emphatic victories, securing wins by nine and ten wickets respectively, showcasing their strength in both batting and bowling departments. These dominant performances propelled them into the last four of the competition, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. As they face the undefeated Sri Lankan team, Pakistan will aim to leverage their recent form and strategic acumen to upset the Group B leaders and advance to the final.

See Also: Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Pre-match Analysis: Can the Bangladesh Women Outplay the Formidable Indian Side?

Strategies for Pakistan Women to Contain Chamari Athapaththu

Chamari Athapaththu has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup in the Asia Cup 2024, emerging as a pivotal figure in their successful campaign. With 180 runs in just 3 matches, including a stunning unbeaten 119, she has displayed exceptional skill and leadership on the field. Athapaththu’s aggressive batting style is highlighted by her remarkable strike rate of 155.17, which has consistently put pressure on opposition bowlers, making her a formidable force at the crease.

Her ability to score quickly and play match-winning innings has been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s journey to the semifinals. Athapaththu has showcased her prowess by scoring 110 runs off just 62 balls against right-arm medium bowlers, and 51 runs off 37 balls against right-arm off-break bowlers. These performances underline her capacity to dominate various bowling attacks, significantly contributing to her team’s success in the tournament.

However, Athapaththu has faced some challenges, particularly against left-arm orthodox bowlers. In this department, she managed only 18 runs off 15 balls, indicating a slight vulnerability. Despite this, her overall impact on the tournament has been substantial, and her ability to adapt and overcome obstacles makes her a key player to watch in the semifinals.

Gull Feroza has been a standout performer for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2024, especially during their recovery phase after an initial setback. In just 3 matches, she has scored 124 runs, with a top score of 62* and an impressive strike rate of 130.52. Feroza’s ability to play impactful and aggressive innings has been a key factor in Pakistan’s resurgence. Her consistency at the top of the order has provided Pakistan with solid starts, setting a strong foundation for their batting efforts and helping them secure crucial victories.

Muneeba Ali has also played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s journey to the semifinals. With 94 runs in 3 matches and a high score of 46, she has maintained a healthy strike rate of 125.33. Ali’s contributions have been essential in building competitive totals and chasing down targets. Her ability to rotate the strike and score at a brisk pace has complemented Feroza’s performances, creating a formidable opening partnership.

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

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

SL-W vs TL-W Match Preview

Host Sri Lanka women will look to maintain their winning streak when they face Thailand women in the 12th match of the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup T20 on Wednesday at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. With consecutive victories in the tournament, host Sri Lanka women will be looking to put on a strong show with the ball and bat in this final round-robin game. Thailand’s women, on the other hand, were defeated in consecutive rounds of the competition. Skipper Thipatcha Putthawong will be hoping that his team can play for pride in this dead rubber.

SL-W vs TL-W Match Details

Sri Lanka-W vs Thailand-W – 12th Match, Women’s Asia Cup-2024

Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla

Date & Time: 24th July 2024 at 07:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Star Sports

SL-W vs TL-W Venue Stats

SL-W vs TL-W Pitch Report

The pitch at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is ideal for batting. Runs flow freely, making it difficult for the bowler to keep things under control. Fast bowlers will need to vary their speeds and be clever to outwit batsmen.

SL-W vs TL-W Weather Report

The climate in Dambulla is expected to be breezy and pleasant throughout the game. There is little chance of rain, so we should have a full match.

SL-W vs TL-W Last Five Matches

SL-W vs TL-W Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 Shafali Verma shines with 81 as India set up a big total for Nepal

SL-W vs TL-W Probable Playing XIs:

Thailand-W Probable Playing XIs

Nattaya Boochatham, Nannapat Koncharoenkai (wk), Phannita Maya, Chanida Sutthiruang, Suwanan Khiaoto, Thipatcha Putthawong (c), Onnicha Kamchomphu, Rosenan Kanoh, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Suleeporn Laomi, Sunida Chaturongrattana

Sri Lanka-W Probable Playing XIs

Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Ama Kanchana, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Kawya Kavindi, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani

Topmost Picks for SL-W vs TL-W Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Thailand-W

Top Picks – Sri Lanka-W

• Chamari Athapaththu – Chamari Athapaththu was the standout performer for Sri Lanka women and smashed the fastest ton in the history of Womens Asia Cup.
• Shashini Gimhani – Shashini Gimhani was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka women and claimed three wickets.

SL-W vs TL-W Probable Winners:

Based on recent performances, the Sri Lanka women’s team will be clear favorites to defeat Thailand’s women. With Chamari Athapaththu, Shashini Gimhani, and Kavisha Dilhari in excellent form, the team’s management will be hoping to continue their winning streak in this fixture. Considering the team combination, Sri Lanka-W are expected to win this match.

BAN-W vs ML-W Match Preview

Bangladesh faces Malaysia in their final group stage match, with a semi-final spot on the line. Bangladesh is level on points with Thailand, with one win and one loss from two games, but they are ranked lower on the points table due to a lower NRR. Malaysian women have yet to open up their accounts in the competition and are out of contention to advance to the semi-finals. Bangladesh has dominated all three encounters with Malaysia, so it is safe to assume that they are the favourites to win this contest. But, as they say, cricket is a funny game, and any team can defeat another on their day.

BAN-W vs ML-W Match Details

Bangladesh-W vs Malaysia-W – 11th Match, Women’s Asia Cup-2024

Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla

Date & Time: 24th July 2024 at 02:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Star Sports

BAN-W vs ML-W Venue Stats

BAN-W vs ML-W Pitch Report

The pitch at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is ideal for batting. Runs flow freely, making it difficult for the bowler to keep things under control. Fast bowlers will need to vary their speeds and be clever to outwit batsmen.

BAN-W vs ML-W Weather Report

The climate in Dambulla is expected to be breezy and pleasant throughout the game. There is little chance of rain, so we should have a full match.

BAN-W vs ML-W Last Five Matches

BAN-W vs ML-W Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Former Sri Lanka Under-19 skipper Dhammika Niroshana shot dead at age 41

BAN-W vs ML-W Probable Playing XIs:

Malaysia-W Probable Playing XIs

Winifred Duraisingam (c), Wan Julia (wk), Elsa Hunter, Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Aina Najwa, Amalin Sorfina, Suabika Manivannan, Aisya Eleesa, Dhanusri Muhunan, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa

Bangladesh-W Probable Playing XIs

Dilara Akter, Murshida Khatun, Ishma Tanjim, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Shorna Akter, Rumana Ahmed, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter, Sabikun Nahar

Topmost Picks for BAN-W vs ML-W Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Malaysia-W

Top Picks – Bangladesh-W

• Nigar Sultans – Nigar Sultans showed excellent form with the bat for Bangladesh and scored unbeaten 48 off 59 balls with the help of six boundaries.
• Nahida Akter – Nahida Akter bowled exceedingly well for Bangladesh women and finished with excellent figures of 3 for 12 in her full quota of overs.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for BAN-W vs ML-W Dream11 Team:

Nigar Sultana, Wan Julia, Elsa Hunter, Murshida Khatun, Ritu Moni(VC), Winifred Duraisingam, Mahirah Izzati Ismail(C), Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Suabika Manivannan

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for BAN-W vs ML-W Dream11 Team:

Nigar Sultana(C), Wan Julia, Elsa Hunter, Dilara Akter, Ritu Moni, Winifred Duraisingam(VC), Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Suabika Manivannan

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Nigar Sultana, Mahirah Izzati Ismail

Vice-captain – Winifred Duraisingam, Ritu Moni

Wicketkeeper – Nigar Sultana

BAN-W vs ML-W Probable Winners:

Based on their current form, Bangladesh women will be clear favorites to defeat Malaysia women. With Nigar Sultana, Shorna Akter, and Nahida Akter demonstrating excellent form in the previous match, the team’s management will be hoping for a clinical performance with bat and ball in this fixture. Considering the team combination, Bangladesh-W are expected to win this match.

Chamari Athapaththu Leads Sri Lanka to Big Win Over MalaysiaChamari Athapaththu scored her career-best 119* to help Sri Lanka crush Malaysia by 144 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup match at Dambulla on Monday. The captain hit 7 sixes and 14 boundaries, leading Sri Lanka to their highest T20I total of 184/4. Malaysia struggled and only managed to score 40 in response.

Sri Lanka

PowerPlay: Strong start despite early setback

Malaysia’s Suabika Manivannan got an early breakthrough by dismissing a Sri Lankan batter with her first ball. However, Athapaththu took control, partnering with Harshitha Samarawickrama to add 64 runs. The duo hit boundaries in every over, with Athapaththu especially aggressive against Aisya Eleesa, adding 14 runs in the final over of the PowerPlay.

Middle overs: Athapaththu takes charge

Malaysia’s inexperience showed as they bowled poorly, and Athapaththu capitalized on every mistake. She reached her half-century in 35 balls and led the team to 100 runs by the 12th over. Malaysia had no answers as Athapaththu continued her assault. Samarawickrama was eventually bowled by Mahirah Izzati Ismail, who took her 50th T20I wicket.

Death overs: Sri Lanka sets record score

In the final overs, Athapaththu dominated the Malaysian bowlers, hitting sixes with ease. Despite some fielding errors by Malaysia, Athapaththu powered on, reaching her century off 63 balls. She led Sri Lanka to their highest T20I score of 184/4. Malaysia managed to take two wickets in the final balls to limit further damage.

Malaysia

Powerplay: Early collapse of batting order

Kawya Kavindi, playing her first game of the tournament, made an immediate impact by dismissing the Malaysian captain for a four-ball duck. Shashini Gimhani, a teenage left-arm wrist spinner, took two more wickets, reducing Malaysia to 21/3 in the PowerPlay.

Middle overs: No runs, No boundaries for Malaysia

Inoshi Priyadarshini started the middle overs by taking a wicket, with Ainna Hamizah Hashim caught at cover. Ama Kanchana nearly took another wicket, but the chance was missed. However, Ismail was soon bowled by Kanchana. Sachini Nisansala then took another wicket, leaving Malaysia struggling with only 15 runs in the middle overs.

Death overs: Sri Lanka secures big win

With a required run rate of over 30, Malaysia managed just one run per over in the final phase before being bowled out on the penultimate ball. Gimhani and Kavindi took one wicket each, while Kavisha Dilhari dismissed two lower-order batters in consecutive balls. Sri Lanka’s massive win boosted their net run rate and nearly secured them a spot in the semifinals. The victory also placed Sri Lanka at the top of Group B.

Player of the Match (Chamari Athapaththu)

“Really happy today because I played good cricket. The main reason is because my mom is also watching. She has sacrificed a lot for me. Thank you very much, mama. I enjoy my cricket everyday in the middle. I know how to handle pressure. I just keep it simple. We made four changes because we need to give opportunities to youngsters with the World Cup coming up.”

In the 42 T20I innings Richa Ghosh has played, she has faced more than 25 deliveries in an innings only five times. Shockingly, she didn’t face a single ball in the last T20I bilateral series against South Africa. Now, pause for a second. If you have seen her innings against the UAE on July 21, pause for a few seconds longer. This revelation might leave you puzzled.

For anyone who has witnessed this 20-year-old from Siliguri bat for India, it’s hard to accept that she hardly gets to bat for a significant duration in T20Is. Her performance against the UAE highlights her potential and raises questions about her underutilization in the team. It’s a frustration shared by many who see in her the future of Indian women’s cricket, yet find her opportunities to shine so limited.

The incredulity of Richa Ghosh’s stat is heightened further when considering her performance in the last five balls of her innings against the UAE, where she scored the fastest-ever 50-plus score in T20I cricket for an Indian woman. The offside field was heavily packed, and the bowler’s line and length were clear to Richa. It all depended on how she’d manage to thread the gaps in the 25-yard circle.

See Also: ENG vs WI: Day 1: Ollie Pope capitalizes on WI’s errors to score 6th Test Century

In-depth Analysis of Richa Ghosh’s Match Winning Innings

On the second delivery of the over, the ball was full and outside off. For Richa, this was easy. She thrives in the V as a batter, and she sent the ball precisely there, collecting a four wide off mid-off. The next delivery was slightly short, requiring her to use her wrists. Richa did more than just guide the ball; she wristily slashed it with power, managing to place it wide of the diving point fielder. Another four! Her ability to read the game and exploit even the smallest gaps showcased her exceptional batting skills, making her innings against the UAE a remarkable display of her talent and potential.

The fifth delivery showcased Richa Ghosh’s growing range spectacularly. She executed a reverse sweep to hit a full ball to deep point for a boundary, stunning the UAE fielders. Richa, beaming with pride, flashed a broad smile, revealing all 32 of her teeth. Why shouldn’t she? She had just completed her first T20I fifty, and India was on the brink of crossing 200 for the first time in their history.

On the very next ball, India achieved that milestone, reaching 201/5 at the end of 20 overs – their highest score in a T20I game. Richa, the wicketkeeper from Siliguri, jogged back to the pavilion, all smiles, seemingly unaware of the magnitude of her own performance. Against the UAE, it was her off-side play that truly stood out. She scored 75% of her runs in that region with such finesse that it never felt like she was muscling the ball. Remarkably, in her innings played at a strike rate of 220.68, she hit just one six! All her other big shots were well-placed fours, underscoring her exceptional skill and precision.

Imagine the impact Richa Ghosh could make if she consistently faced more deliveries. Despite her limited opportunities, she has already established herself as the best wicketkeeper-batter India has ever had. It’s not just her keeping skills but the manner of her stroke play and the continuous improvements in her batting that make her stand out in a lineup filled with flamboyant batters like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Harmanpreet Kaur.

At just 20 years old, Richa has proven that she represents the next step in the evolution of batting in Indian women’s cricket. Her ability to adapt and innovate, as shown in her recent performances, highlights her immense potential and the significant impact she could have on the game if given more chances to shine.

See Also: Player Analysis: The Enduring Legacy of James Anderson’s 21-Year Test Career

After losing heavily to India in their first match, Pakistan bounced back with a big win over Nepal, chasing down a modest target of 109 with a 9 wicket victory. Openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza scored a century partnership, leading their team to victory with 8.1 overs to spare.

Pakistan’s bowling. They took early wickets and kept tight control in the middle overs, making it tough for Nepal’s less experienced batsmen.

Nepal Performance

Powerplay: Early trouble for Nepal

Nepal, batting first struggled right from the start. Fatima Sana dismissed Samjhana Khadka in the opening over, and Sadia Iqbal’s double strike in the fifth over left Nepal at 3 wickets down early on.

Middle overs: Struggles continue for Nepal

Nepal found it hard to score runs. The situation worsened with runouts of Rubina Chhetry and Sita Rana Magar, leaving them at 65/5. Pakistan’s spinners kept tight control over the runs.

Death overs: Small recovery

With the fifth wicket down, it seemed Nepal might not reach 100 runs. However, Puja Mahato (25 off 32) and Kabita Joshi (31* off 23) put together a 34-run partnership, bringing Nepal to 108/6. Mahato was run out in the final over, but Nepal managed a respectable total. Sadia Iqbal ended with two wickets.

Pakistan’s Impactful start

Powerplay: Strong start with bat

Pakistan made great use of the fielding restrictions, scoring nearly half of their target runs in the PowerPlay. Gull Feroza began aggressively with a boundary on the first ball, and Muneeba Ali added three boundaries, setting up a strong position for Pakistan.

Middle overs: Easy victory for Pakistan

Feroza and Muneeba continued to score freely against Nepal’s inexperienced bowlers. They chased down the target in just 5.5 more overs. Feroza reached her fifty off 29 balls but was out with four runs needed for victory. Muneeba remained unbeaten, just short of her fifty, but guided Pakistan to a decisive win.

Player of the Match (Gull Feroza):

“It is a memorable day for me and I am very happy that I could help my team win. I wanted to play my natural game. This game has become so aggressive and that is my natural game. The cover drive was my favourite. Want to dedicate this award to my family.”

Richa Ghosh made history with her stunning performance against the UAE in Dambulla, as India surpassed 200 runs in T20Is for the first time during the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 on Sunday, July 21. Richa became the first Indian wicketkeeper-batter in the Women’s Asia Cup to score a fifty, helping India finish strong. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur topped the innings with a score of 66, finishing as the highest scorer.

The UAE won the toss and chose to bowl first. India got off to a strong start with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, but Mandhana was dismissed quickly. Shafali continued her aggressive play, scoring 37 runs off just 18 balls, helping India reach 52 runs in 5 overs before she was dismissed. India faced a setback when Hemalatha was bowled by Hotchandani. However, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues steadied the innings, with the Indian skipper playing the aggressive role.

The pair added 54 runs together before Jemimah was dismissed with more than 8 overs remaining. Richa Ghosh then stepped in and completely changed the game.

The Richa Ghosh performance

The Indian wicketkeeper began with a few singles before hitting a boundary to get her momentum going. In the 15th over, she smashed a six and then proceeded to hit UAE skipper Esha Oza for four boundaries in the next over.

Richa kept rotating the strike with her captain, quickly bringing up their 50-run partnership. At one point, it seemed India might fall short of 200 runs as Harmanpreet struggled to find her rhythm in the 19th over.

SEE ALSO:VVS Laxman likely to join LSG’s coaching staff ahead of IPL 2025: Report

However, the Indian skipper finished the over with a flourish, hitting two boundaries and a six off the last three balls. In the final over, Harmanpreet was run out due to a mix-up with Richa, but the wicketkeeper-batter made up for it by finishing strong.

Richa sent the last five deliveries to the boundary, remaining unbeaten on 64 off 29 balls with 12 fours and a six. India concluded their innings with 201 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs.

The previous highest total for India in T20Is was 198 for 4 in 20 overs against England in Mumbai in 2018.

IND-W vs UAE-W Match Preview

After a thrilling start against Pakistan Women, India Women are now preparing to face the UAE Women in the sixth T20I of the Women’s Asia Cup. The match will take place on July 21st at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla beginning at 2 p.m. India Women have a perfect record against the UAE side. On a dry, batting-friendly track, India Women used a disciplined bowling attack to limit Pakistan Women to 108. The UAE Women were defeated by Nepal Women in the inaugural game of the Asia Cup 2024. Batting first, the UAE Women scored 115 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Khushi Sharma scored 36 runs off 39 balls for the UAE Women.

IND-W vs UAE-W Match Details

India-W vs UAE-W – 02nd Match, Women’s Asia Cup-2024

Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla

Date & Time: 21th July 2024 at 02:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Star Sports

IND-W vs UAE-W Venue Stats

IND-W vs UAE-W Pitch Report

Traditionally, the pitch has been known to be slow and low, which helps spinners as the game progresses. The surface dries out quickly, resulting in cracks that help spin bowlers extract turn, and bounce.

IND-W vs UAE-W Weather Report

The weather is going to be cloudy and humid. The temperatures will range between 25°C and 33°C. It is a slightly windy day without a chance of rain.

IND-W vs UAE-W Last Five Matches

IND-W vs UAE-W Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Former Sri Lanka Under-19 skipper Dhammika Niroshana shot dead at age 41

IND-W vs UAE-W Probable Playing XIs:

UAE-W Probable Playing XIs

Esha Rohit Oza (c), Theertha Satish (wk), Rinitha Rajith, Kavisha Egodage, Samaira Dharnidharka, Khushi Sharma, Lavanya Keny, Vaishnave Mahesh, Indhuja Nandakumar, Heena Hotchandani, Rithika Rajith

India-W Probable Playing XIs

Smriti Mandana, Shafali Verma, Daylan Hemalatha, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, Shreyanka Patil

Topmost Picks for IND-W vs UAE-W Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – UAE-W

Top Picks – India-W

• Smriti Mandana – Smriti Mandana has 3320 T20I runs at a strike rate of 121.83. runs for the team and recently led from the front in the ACC Premier Cup.
• Deepti Sharma – Deepti Sharma will lead the bowling attack. Sharma has had 37 wickets since 2023, with an average of 5.60.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for IND-W vs UAE-W Dream11 Team:

Harmanpreet Kaur, Theertha Satish, Smriti Mandana, Shafali Verma, Lavanya Keny, Esha Rohit Oza, Khushi Sharma, Kavisha Egodage(VC), Deepti Sharma(C), Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Singh

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for IND-W vs UAE-W Dream11 Team:

Richa Ghosh, Theertha Satish, Smriti Mandana(C), Shafali Verma(VC), Lavanya Keny, Esha Rohit Oza, Khushi Sharma, Kavisha Egodage, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Singh

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Smriti Mandana, Deepti Sharma

Vice-captain – Kavisha Egodage, Shafali Verma

Wicketkeeper – Richa Ghosh

IND-W vs UAE-W Probable Winners:

India women are not comparable for UAE women. Their top five batters have scored almost as many runs as the 14 UAE women who batted this year. India Women won their only game against the UAE Women by 104 runs. They have seven wins in their last nine games and one loss. Kaur and her team will have an easy time of it. Considering the team combination, India-W are expected to win this match.