Daijiworld Media Network - Bangkok
Bangkok, Feb 15: Ahead of the much-anticipated Men’s T20 World Cup showdown between India and Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium, it was India Women A who drew first blood with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan A in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament.
In a crucial Group A encounter at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok, India A produced a clinical all-round performance to revive their campaign after suffering a seven-wicket defeat to the United Arab Emirates in their previous outing.
Opting to bowl first, India A struck early as Saima Thakor removed Yusra Amir in the opening over. The bowlers maintained relentless pressure through the middle overs, with Radha Yadav and Prema Rawat tightening the screws and preventing Pakistan A from building partnerships.
Shawaal Zulfiqar top-scored with 23, while Gull Rukh chipped in with 21. However, regular wickets dented Pakistan A’s momentum, and they were bowled out for 93 in 18.5 overs.
Radha Yadav returned impressive figures of 2 for 11, while Saima Thakor (2/14) and Prema Rawat (2/16) played key roles in restricting the opposition to a modest total.
India A’s chase began on a shaky note as Humaira Kazi was dismissed off the very first ball. However, Dinesh Vrinda quickly seized control of the innings with an explosive display of stroke play.
Vrinda smashed an unbeaten 55 off just 29 deliveries, hammering 12 boundaries to dismantle the Pakistani attack. Anushka Sharma contributed a steady 24, while Tejal Hasabnis added a brisk cameo to wrap up the contest.
India A raced to 97 for 2 in just 10.1 overs, sealing the win with a comfortable 59 balls to spare.
The emphatic victory significantly boosted India A’s net run rate and kept their hopes alive in the tournament. Pakistan A, meanwhile, slipped to third place in Group A, facing mounting pressure as the race for knockout berths gathers pace.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan A Women – 93 all out in 18.5 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 23, Gull Rukh 21; Radha Yadav 2/11, Saima Thakor 2/14, Prema Rawat 2/16)
India A Women – 97/2 in 10.1 overs (Dinesh Vrinda 55*, Anushka Sharma 24)
Result: India A Women won by 8 wickets (59 balls remaining).