India thrash UAE by 78 runs in Women’s Asia Cup 2024

After a commanding victory over their long-time rivals Pakistan, Team India continued their dominant form by dismantling a struggling UAE side with a decisive 78-run win in Dambulla. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, India showcased a comprehensive team effort, with the standout performer being 19-year-old Richa Ghosh, who earned the Player of the Match award for her exceptional display.

Sent in to bat first, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana began with a solid partnership, accumulating 23 runs in the initial two overs. However, Mandhana was dismissed for 13, and despite Shafali’s aggressive play—scoring five boundaries, including a six—she too fell at the end of the fifth over. India then lost Dayalan Hemalatha on the very next ball, quickly finding themselves three wickets down.

In a moment of uncertainty, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues took charge. They steadied the innings with a crucial 50-run partnership, adding 54 runs in 39 balls. Although Jemimah's departure seemed like a setback, Richa Ghosh turned the tide with a whirlwind innings, targeting the off-side with striking strokeplay.

Harmanpreet, who reached a significant milestone by becoming the first women's player to amass over 3000 T20I runs while batting at number four or below, contributed a solid 66 off 47 balls before being run out. Ghosh, displaying remarkable composure, ended the innings on a high by smashing the last five balls for boundaries, propelling India to a record-breaking total of 202 runs.

In response, U.A.E's chase faltered from the start, losing two key wickets during the powerplay and struggling at 18 runs with two wickets down. Despite a brief 40-run stand between Esha Oza and Kavisha Edogade, the dismissal of Oza by debutant Kanwar extinguished any hopes of recovery. U.A.E's batting crumbled under pressure, managing only 123/7 in 20 overs.

India’s disciplined bowling attack, with every bowler claiming a wicket, ensured a comprehensive victory, reinforcing their top position in the Women’s Asia Cup standings.