Bangkok, February 17 Senior Indian national team bowlers Tanuja Kanwar and Minnu Mani delivered a dominant performance, leading India A to a seven-wicket victory over Nepal and securing their semifinal spot in the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, here on Tuesday.
Left-arm spinner Tanuja bowled brilliantly, taking 4/12 against Nepal, while Minnu wreaked havoc with 3/8, as the two spinners bundled out Nepal for just 78 in 18 overs.
India A, powered by an unbeaten 39 off 18 balls from Dinesh Vrinda, chased down the target in just 7.5 overs, losing only three wickets and securing two points, topping Group A with four points and a strong net run rate of +3.042.
The second semifinal spot from the group will be decided after UAE face Pakistan A later in the day.
UAE currently have four points, but a Pakistan win would tie both teams on four, leaving the net run rate to decide who advances.
If UAE win, they will top the group with six points, pushing India to second place.
India dominated in all aspects, with their spinners creating a strong attack against a struggling Nepal batting lineup.
Openers Bindu Rawal (11) and Samjhana Khadka (28) offered some resistance, but their dismissal led to Nepal's collapse.
After reaching 56/3 in the 10th over, Nepal collapsed to 65/9 by the 16th, with left-arm spinner Radha Yadav adding 2/17 to the damage.
India easily chased down the target, with Dinesh Vrinda playing aggressive strokes, hitting nine boundaries to complete the job in just eight overs.
Brief scores: Nepal 78 all out; 18 overs (Minnu Mani 3/8, Tanuja Kanwar 4/12, Radha Yadav 2/17) lost to India A 82/3; 7.5 overs (Dinesh Vrinda 39 not out) by seven wickets.
