The juggernaut of Team India continued quite phenomenally. After an unbeaten group stage campaign, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led steamrolled past a hapless Bangladesh side in the semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024.
Team India thrash Bangladesh
Bangladesh opted to bat first in the crucial in this must-win clash, with skipper Nigar Sultana expressing her desire for a free-flowing innings. Dilara Akter provided an early glimpse of intent, launching a massive six in the opening over. However, the joy was short-lived as she was dismissed attempting a similar shot in the next delivery.
Renuka was a class apart!
The Bangladeshi innings quickly unraveled thereafter. Aggressive shots found fielders with alarming regularity, and India’s bowlers were clinical in their execution. Tight bowling and sharp fielding restricted Bangladesh to a paltry total of 80, despite late efforts from Shorna Akter and Nigar Sultana. The target proved to be a mere formality for India.
Renuka Singh Thakur and Radha Yadav shared six wickets between them, three wickets each. Renuka, in particular, was outstanding. She initially gave a great account of swing bowling and danced Bangladeshi batters on her tunes. Her match-winning spell of 3/10 showcased how lethal she was.
Mandhana’s 50 for an easy win
India’s chase was a formality from the outset. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma toyed with the Bangladesh bowlers, dismantling the target with consummate ease. The duo’s imperious form ensured a comprehensive 10-wicket victory for India, who advanced to the final in emphatic fashion. Despite some missed chances, Mandhana got to her first-ever fifty against Bangladesh in WT20Is. She made 55*, while Shafali remained unbeaten at 26.
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