India 'A' Women defend title, beat Bangladesh 'A' in final

The India 'A' women's cricket team clinched their second consecutive Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars title, defeating Bangladesh 'A' by 46 runs in the final in Bangkok on Sunday, reports UNB.

Defending a modest total of 134, the Indian bowlers systematically dismantled the Bangladesh batting line-up, bowling them out for just 88 runs in 19.1 overs.

The chase derailed completely after the powerplay. Bangladesh 'A' managed 36 for 1 in the first six overs but soon felt the pressure of a rising required run rate and quick dismissals.

The team suffered a massive collapse, losing their last seven wickets for a mere 40 runs off 55 balls. Opener Shamima Sultana (20) and Sharmin Sultana (18) were the highest scorers, failing to build any partnership of more than 25 runs.

Indian leg-spinner Prema Rawat led the bowling attack with exceptional figures of 3 for 12.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh 'A' captain and leg-spinner Fahima Khatun rattled the Indian top order, claiming 4 for 25. India 'A' found themselves in a precarious position at 53 for 4 at the halfway mark. However, a crucial 69-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Tejal Hasabnis and Radha Yadav shifted the momentum.

Yadav contributed 36, while Hasabnis anchored the innings with an unbeaten 51 off 34 balls, capitalising on a dropped catch in the final over to push the total to 134 for 7. Hasabnis was subsequently named Player of the Match.

This victory mirrors the inaugural 2023 tournament in Hong Kong, where India 'A' also defeated Bangladesh 'A' to lift the trophy.