The spin duo of Shreyanka Patil and Mannat Kashyap played pivotal roles with the ball, guiding India to a resounding 31-run win.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, India had a modest start, posting a total of 127 for seven on the scoreboard. Dinesh Vrinda provided the much-needed impetus to the innings, top-scoring with a composed 36 off 29 deliveries. Kanika Ahuja displayed her batting skills, remaining unbeaten on a crucial 30 off 23 balls.
However, the Bangladesh bowlers were relentless, consistently picking up wickets and preventing India from establishing significant partnerships.
In response, the Indian bowlers turned the game in their favour with a mesmerising display of spin bowling on the slow Mission Road Ground pitch.
Off-spinner Shreyanka Patil weaved her magic, claiming remarkable figures of 4 for 13. Slow left-arm orthodox bowler Mannat Kashyap complemented her teammate’s performance with an impressive 3 for 20. Kanika Ahuja, with her off-break bowling, contributed significantly with 2 for 23.
The Indian bowlers proved to be too strong for the Bangladesh batting lineup, bundling them out for just 96 in 19.2 overs.
During Bangladesh’s innings, Sobhana Mostary and Nahida Akter managed to score 16 runs each, while Nahida Akter remained unbeaten on a valiant 17.
This victory holds significance for the Indian team, considering their limited game time in the tournament due to adverse weather conditions. In an unfortunate turn of events, rain disrupted most of India’s matches, leading to their semifinal clash against Sri Lanka being washed out without a ball being bowled. In fact, throughout the tournament, a total of eight matches were abandoned due to rain.
Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the India U-23 team displayed immense skill, determination, and adaptability to emerge as deserving champions of the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup T20.
(With inputs from PTI)