India's Unstoppable Surge: Renuka, Radha, and Mandhana Propel Team to 9th Asia Cup Final

Dominant Performance Secures Final Spot

India stormed into the final of the Asia Cup with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh, showcasing stellar performances from Renuka Singh Thakur, Radha Yadav, and Smriti Mandhana. Renuka (3-10) and Radha (3-14) led a clinical bowling effort, restricting Bangladesh to a mere 80/8. India chased down the target in just 11 overs, with Mandhana hitting a fluent half-century.

Bowling Brilliance Sets the Stage

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh found themselves in trouble early on. Renuka's three-wicket haul in the powerplay left Bangladesh reeling at 25/3. Dilara Akter’s six was a brief highlight, but her attempt to repeat the shot resulted in her dismissal. Ishma Tanjim and Murshida Khatun also fell cheaply, failing to build any momentum. Renuka continued her tight bowling, finishing her spell with a maiden over. Radha Yadav’s entry further dented Bangladesh’s hopes as she bowled Rumana Ahmed. The middle overs saw Bangladesh struggling to score, managing only 24 runs and losing three more wickets, including Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni.

Death Overs: Radha’s Double Strikes

Bangladesh crossed the 50-run mark in the 16th over but continued to lose wickets. Radha Yadav’s exceptional final over saw her dismissing Nigar Sultana and Nahida Akter, capping Bangladesh’s innings at 80/8. Deepti Sharma’s economical spell (1-14) added to Bangladesh’s woes, ensuring they couldn’t build a defendable total.

India’s Seamless Chase

In reply, India’s chase was in stark contrast to Bangladesh’s innings. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a brisk start, scoring 46 runs in the powerplay. Mandhana’s aggressive batting, including a six and multiple boundaries, saw India reaching the target with ease. Mandhana continued her form into the middle overs, hitting three consecutive fours off Nahida Akter to complete her fifty. Shafali Verma supported her well, and together they led India to 83/0, sealing the victory in 11 overs.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s Praise

India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, praised the bowlers for executing their plans perfectly. She emphasized the team’s focus on consistency and preparation, setting the stage for a confident approach in the final against the winner of the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan clash.

Key Highlights:

India will face the winner of the SL vs PAK semi-final in the final.

Smriti Mandhana’s unbeaten 55* led India’s chase.

Renuka Singh and Radha Yadav’s three-wicket hauls restricted Bangladesh to 80/8.

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat but failed to capitalize.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh 80/8 (Nigar Sultana 32; Renuka Singh Thakur 3-10, Radha Yadav 3-14)

India 83/0 in 11 overs (Smriti Mandhana 55*, Shafali Verma 26*)

India’s journey to the final showcases their dominant form and sets the stage for an exciting climax to the tournament.