India A Women marched into the final of the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars with a dominant five-wicket win over Sri Lanka A Women at the Terdthai Cricket Ground on Thursday. A superb all-round performance from skipper Radha Yadav powered India to a comfortable chase of 119, achieved with 39 balls to spare. They will now face Bangladesh in the title clash on Sunday, February 22.
Bangladesh secured their spot in the final with an emphatic 54-run victory over Pakistan in the second semi-final, bundling them out for just 56 while defending 110.
Radha Yadav leads the charge
After opting to bat, Sri Lanka A Women were bowled out for 118 in 19.4 overs as India’s disciplined attack kept them under constant pressure. Sanjana Kavindi top-scored with 31 off 35 balls, and Shashini Gimhani chipped in with 22, but Sri Lanka failed to build substantial partnerships.
Radha Yadav was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 for 19 in 3.4 overs. Her left-arm spin ripped through the middle and lower order, denying Sri Lanka any late surge. Prema Rawat was equally impressive, delivering a tight spell of 2 for 9 in four overs, while Tanuja Kanwar added two wickets to cap a collective bowling effort.
India A Women began their chase confidently despite losing Nandini Kashyap early. Dinesh Vrinda took control with a blazing 42 off 20 balls, striking eight boundaries to shift the momentum firmly in India’s favour. Anushka Sharma provided steady support with a composed 27.
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Although Shashini Gimhani picked up two wickets to briefly delay the inevitable, Radha once again rose to the occasion. The captain remained unbeaten on 31 from just 18 deliveries, smashing seven fours to guide India to 119 for 5 in only 13.3 overs.
With form and confidence on their side, India A Women head into the final brimming with belief as they prepare to take on Bangladesh for the title.
