Asia Cup 2024: India and Pakistan emerge victorious against UAE and Nepal

Asia Cup 2024 Match 5th Report: India vs UAE Match Report

In an impressive display at the Women’s Asia Cup, India Women triumphed over United Arab Emirates Women by 78 runs in the 5th match of Group A held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on July 21, 2024. The victory was highlighted by a dominant batting performance and disciplined bowling effort.

India Women set a formidable target after being put into bat by UAE Women, who won the toss and opted to field. The Indian innings got off to a flying start, thanks to Shafali Verma’s quickfire 37 off 18 balls, which included five boundaries and one six. Smriti Mandhana contributed 13 runs off 9 balls before being dismissed by Kavisha Egodage.

Despite a brief wobble in the middle order, with Dayalan Hemalatha falling for just 2 and Jemimah Rodrigues adding 14, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the ship with a captain’s knock. She scored a vital 66 off 47 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries and a six. However, it was Richa Ghosh who stole the show with a blistering unbeaten 64 off just 29 balls, including 12 boundaries and a six, propelling India to a commanding total of 201/5 in their 20 overs.

For UAE Women, Kavisha Egodage was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 wickets for 36 runs in her four overs. Samaira Dharnidharka and Heena Hotchandani also chipped in with a wicket each, but they couldn’t contain the explosive Indian batting lineup.

Chasing a daunting target of 202, UAE Women struggled to build momentum. Esha Oza top-scored with 38 off 36 balls, providing some resistance at the top of the order. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, with only Kavisha Egodage making a significant contribution later in the innings with an unbeaten 40 off 32 balls.

India’s bowlers were on point, with Deepti Sharma leading the attack with figures of 2/23 from her four overs. Tanuja Kanwar was particularly economical, taking 1/14 in her four-over spell. Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, and Radha Yadav also picked up a wicket each, restricting UAE Women to 123/7 in their 20 overs.

Richa Ghosh was deservedly named Player of the Match for her explosive batting that set up India’s commanding total. This victory further solidifies India’s position in the tournament as they continue their pursuit of the Women’s Asia Cup title.

Asia Cup 2024 Match 6th Report: Pakistan vs Nepal Match Report

In the 6th Match of Group A at the Women’s Asia Cup, held on July 21, 2024, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Pakistan Women dominated Nepal Women, securing a resounding nine-wicket victory with 49 balls to spare.

Winning the toss and opting to field first, Pakistan Women put Nepal Women under immediate pressure. Nepal’s innings struggled to gain momentum as they managed a total of 108/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Early wickets hindered their progress, with opener Samjhana Khadka falling for just 4 runs in the first over. Sita Rana Magar and Kabita Kunwar attempted to rebuild the innings, scoring 26 and 13 runs respectively, but could not establish a substantial partnership.

Nepal’s captain, Indu Barma, was dismissed for a duck, adding to their woes. Rubina Chhetry and Puja Mahato tried to steady the ship, but they were run out for 8 and 25 runs respectively. Kabita Joshi provided some late fireworks with an unbeaten 31 off 23 balls, including four boundaries and a six, helping Nepal reach a somewhat respectable total.

Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight lines, with Sadia Iqbal being the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for 19 runs in her four overs. Fatima Sana supported well, taking 1 wicket for 24 runs. The remaining bowlers kept the pressure on, ensuring Nepal never got away.

Chasing a modest target of 109, Pakistan’s openers, Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali, set a blistering pace. Gull Feroza, who was named Player of the Match, played a spectacular innings, scoring 57 runs off 35 balls, including 10 boundaries. Her aggressive approach put Pakistan in the driver’s seat early on. Muneeba Ali complemented her well, scoring an unbeaten 46 off 34 balls, featuring eight boundaries.

The opening pair’s partnership of 105 runs off just 65 balls effectively sealed the game for Pakistan. Feroza’s dismissal at 105 runs in the 12th over did little to deter Pakistan, as Tuba Hassan joined Muneeba Ali to comfortably guide their team to victory at 110/1 in 11.5 overs.

Nepal’s bowlers had a tough day, unable to contain the onslaught from Pakistan’s openers. Kabita Joshi was the sole wicket-taker, but the lack of support from the other bowlers meant Pakistan chased down the target with ease.