Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: India A Women delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh by 46 runs in the final and win the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars title on Sunday. Batting first, India A posted a competitive total of 134/7 in 20 overs, thanks largely to a composed unbeaten half-century from Tejal Hasabnis and a valuable contribution from captain Radha Yadav.Openers Nandini Kashyap and Vrinda Dinesh provided a steady start but failed to convert it into big scores, while Anushka Sharma and Minnu Mani were dismissed cheaply, leaving India in a tricky position. Tejal Hasabnis then anchored the innings with a fluent 51 off 34 balls, striking three boundaries and two sixes. Radha Yadav supported her with a crucial 36 off 30 balls, helping India cross the 130-run mark. For Bangladesh, captain Fahima Khatun led the bowling effort with impressive figures of 4/25, while Farjana Easmin and Fatema Jahan Sonia chipped in with a wicket each.In reply, Bangladesh’s chase never gained momentum. Opener Ishma Tanjim was dismissed early, and although Shamima Sultana, Sarmin Sultana, Sadia Akter and Fahima Khatun tried to steady the innings with small partnerships, they struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 88 in 19.1 overs.India’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Prema Rawat leading the attack with 3/12, while Sonia Mendhiya and Tanuja Kanwer claimed two wickets each. Saima Thakor, Minnu Mani and Radha Yadav also contributed with a wicket apiece.Tejal Hasabnis was named Player of the Match for her match-winning unbeaten half-century, capping off a dominant performance by India A Women in the tournament final.
