In a formidable display of cricket prowess, the Indian women’s cricket team trounced the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 78 runs in their second match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 in Dambulla on Sunday, July 21. Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet Kaur delivered impressive performances, propelling India to set their highest-ever T20I score of 201 runs, while Deepti Sharma’s consistent form with the ball helped limit the UAE to 123 runs.
With this victory, India solidified their position as strong contenders for the semi-finals, winning both their initial group matches. On the other hand, the UAE has faced two successive defeats, positioning them at the bottom of the Group A points table and on the brink of early elimination from the tournament.
India, after being asked to bat first, faced early setbacks with the dismissals of star batters Smriti Mandhana and Dayalan Hemalatha during the powerplay. However, Shafali Verma engineered a robust response by smashing a quickfire 37 runs off just 18 balls, laying the foundation for a substantial total.
The momentum continued with Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur fashioning a 54-run partnership for the third wicket. Jemimah’s contribution was a steady 14 runs while Harmanpreet carried on the assault. The match saw a spectacular climax with Harmanpreet and Richa Ghosh unleashing a series of explosive shots. Their partnership amassed 75 runs for the fifth wicket. Richa, demonstrating stellar form, scored an unbeaten 64 runs off 29 balls, inflicting 12 boundaries and one six on the opposition. Harmanpreet showcased her experience and power, top-scoring with 66 runs off 47 balls before getting dismissed in the final over. Among the UAE bowlers, young off-spinner Kavisha Egodage stood out, taking two wickets for 36 runs.
The chase for the UAE began cautiously, managing to stave off early wickets but failing to find the aggressive shots needed.
. Indian pacer Renuka Singh broke the UAE’s opening stand by dismissing Theertha Satish in the fifth over. The UAE’s innings struggled to gather momentum thereafter, with Indian bowlers maintaining pressure through regular wickets and disciplined bowling.
Skipper Esha Oza provided some resistance, scoring 38 runs off 36 balls, while Kavisha Egodage contributed an unbeaten 40 runs off 32 balls. Despite their efforts, no other UAE batter could reach double figures, resulting in a significant shortfall from the required total.
Deepti Sharma’s bowling was pivotal for India, conceding just 32 runs while claiming two important wickets. Richa Ghosh’s explosive performance earned her the Player of the Match award, her unbeaten 64 runs off 29 balls marking a crucial difference in the game.
The authoritative win means India has all but secured a berth in the semi-finals, reflecting a determined and high-spirited team approach seen throughout the tournament. As for the UAE, the path to the next stage seems increasingly challenging, needing to regroup and deliver exceptional performances in their remaining matches.
The Indian team, with a mix of seasoned players and young talent, displayed remarkable depth and versatility. Their ability to adapt under pressure and stage comebacks after early setbacks showcased their strategic acumen and mental resolve. This win in Dambulla adds to their confidence as they look forward to the next fixtures of the Asia Cup.
India Women’s squad for the match included: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Renuka Thakur Singh, and Tanuja Kanwar.
The UAE Women’s Playing XI featured: Esha Rohit Oza (c), Theertha Satish (wk), Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Kavisha Egodage, Khushi Sharma, Heena Hotchandani, Vaishnave Mahesh, Rithika Rajith, Lavanya Keny, and Indhuja Nandakumar.
As the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 progresses, the Indian team will aim to maintain their unbeaten run and further entrench their dominance in the tournament, while the UAE will seek to overturn their fortunes and avoid early elimination.
