Vaibhav Tripathi
Pooja Vastrakar took a four-for as India posted an emphatic eight-wicket win over Bangladesh Women in the Semi-final, cementing their place in the summit clash of the 2023 Asian Games. India chased down the target of 52 in just 8.2 overs.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh Women faced a calamitous start. Vastrakar set the tone by dismissing Shathi Rani on the very first ball and claimed another wicket in the opening over, sending Shamima Sultana back for a golden duck. Titas Sadhu partnered effectively with Vastrakar, securing her maiden T20I wicket by dismissing Shorna Akter.
Nigar Sultana, the Bangladeshi captain, contributed 12 runs off 17 balls before being run out while attempting a risky single. Fahima Khatun also suffered a run-out without adding to the score, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 25/6 after 8 overs. Amanjot Kaur continued the wicket-taking spree, dismissing Rabeya Khan for three with a pinpoint yorker. Vastrakar returned to the attack and took her fourth wicket. India Women efficiently wrapped up Bangladesh Women’s innings in just 17.5 overs.
Vastrakar shone as the bowler of the match, claiming four wickets for a mere 17 runs in her four overs. Supporting her, Sadhu, Kaur, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Devika Vaidya contributed with a wicket each. The Indian seamers adeptly exploited the bowling-friendly conditions, capitalizing on the moisture present in the wicket, which, combined with disciplined bowling, led to Bangladesh’s downfall.
Chasing a modest target, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma put on a stand of 19. Mandhana initiated the chase with a boundary but was unfortunately dismissed for 7 runs. Jemimah Rodrigues joined Shafali, and together, and they added 21 runs for the second wicket before Sefali departed for 17 runs from 21 deliveries.
Subsequently, Rodrigues and Kanika Ahuja provided the finishing touches. India will play either Pakistan or Sri Lanka in the summit clash.