A dazzling display of spin bowling by Shreyanka Patil and Mannat Kashyap propelled the India U-23 team to a resounding victory in the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup T20 final against Bangladesh. Following a modest batting performance, the Indian bowlers took center stage, as Patil (4/13) and Kashyap (3/20) weaved their magic, scalping a total of seven wickets to dismiss Bangladesh for 96 runs in 19.2 overs. Adding to the spin extravaganza, off-break bowler Kanika Ahuja (2/23) chipped in with two valuable wickets.
Opting to bat first, India managed to post a decent total of 127 for seven. Dinesh Vrinda emerged as the highest scorer, contributing 36 runs off 29 deliveries, while Kanika Ahuja played a crucial unbeaten innings of 30 runs off 23 balls. However, the Indian batswomen found it challenging to establish momentum, with only four players reaching double digits on the scoreboard. Bangladesh’s bowlers applied sustained pressure, frequently breaking partnerships to restrict India’s progress.
In response, the Indian spinners unleashed an extraordinary exhibition of their craft on the slow Mission Road Ground pitch. Patil, the proficient off-spinner, and Kashyap, the crafty slow left-arm orthodox bowler, dictated terms, dismantling the Bangladesh batting lineup with remarkable precision. Although Sobhana Mostary and Nahida Akter managed to contribute 16 runs each, Akter remained unbeaten on 17 while witnessing a collapse of wickets around her.
Bangladesh’s Nahida Akter, also a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, made her mark by claiming two wickets for a mere 13 runs, while off-spinner Sultana Khatun picked up two wickets, conceding 30 runs. However, it was the exceptional performance of India’s spin duo that sealed the victory.
The journey to the final was marred by persistent rain, leading to the abandonment of India’s semifinal clash against Sri Lanka without a ball being bowled. In a curious turn of events, India had the opportunity to play just one match before the final, where they convincingly defeated hosts Hong Kong by nine wickets. Unfortunately, inclement weather wreaked havoc throughout the tournament, causing eight matches to be washed out.
Despite the weather disruptions, the India U-23 team showcased their resilience and dominated the final with their spin prowess. The triumph in the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup T20 not only underlines their exceptional skills but also offers a glimpse of the promising future of Indian women’s cricket.
