Bangkok, February 15 – India defeated Pakistan A by eight wickets in their Group A match at the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars on Sunday. After dismissing Pakistan A for 93 in 18.5 overs, India chased the modest target in just 10.1 overs at the Terdthai Cricket Ground.
Right-handed opener Vrinda Dinesh smashed 55 off 29 balls to lead India A’s chase, after Saima Thakor (2-14), captain Radha Yadav (2-11), and Prema Rawat (2-16) had collectively taken six wickets to set the stage for the defending champions to secure their first win in this competition.
Minnu Mani and Jintimani Kalita also each took one wicket for India ‘A’. Their chase began shakily, with Humairaa Kaazi being dismissed off the first ball by Waheeda Akhtar. However, Vrinda and Anushka Sharma mounted a counter-attack, and India A reached 63-1 by the end of the powerplay.
Although Anushka fell for 24 in the ninth over, Vrinda continued her innings, reaching her fifty off 25 balls with 12 boundaries before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Momina Riasat in the ninth over. Tejal Hasabnis then sealed the victory for India ‘A’ with a six and four, completing the chase with 59 balls to spare.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan were reduced to 21/4 within five overs as Saima struck twice with the new ball. Radha tightened the screws after the powerplay, removing Huraina Sajjad and Shawaal Zulfiqar in successive overs, leaving Pakistan reeling at 41/6.
A brief stand of 25 between Gull Rukh (21) and Anosha Nasir (17) lifted the total, but the last two wickets added only 15 runs as Pakistan were all out for 93.
As has been the trend in recent India-Pakistan meetings, both sides chose not to shake hands at the toss again.
India A, after losing to the UAE in their opening game, have moved into second place in Group A. They face Nepal in their final group match on Tuesday, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals.
Brief Scores: Pakistan A 93 all out in 18.5 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 23, Gull Rukh 21; Radha Yadav 2-11, Saima Thakor 2-14) lost to India A 97/2 in 10.1 overs (Vrinda Dinesh 55, Anushka Sharma 24; Momina Riasat 1-13, Waheeda Akhtar 1-18) by eight wickets.
