Dambulla (Sri Lanka), July 24: India and Pakistan, the two strong teams of Group A, have booked their berths in the semifinals of the ongoing Women's Asia Cup 2024.
After Pakistan defeated UAE by a huge 10 wickets margin, defending champions India registered a convincing 82 runs win over Nepal on Tuesday late evening. India finished as the topper of Group A with three wins from three outings.
Having already entered the semifinals with two wins from two games (after beating Pakistan and UAE earlier), India on Tuesday rested captain Harmanpreet Kaur and pace spearhead Pooja Vastrakar. Instead pace bowling all-rounder Arundhati Reddy and Sajeevan Sajana were roped in into the playing XI.
Vice captain Smriti Mandhana led India in her skipper's absence. Winning the toss, Mandhana opted to bat first, but did not open the innings. Instead Dayalan Hemalata was given a chance to regain her confidence and was asked to open with Shafali Verma.
Player of the Match Shafali (81) and Hemalata (47) ensured a good start. Later Jemimah Rodrigues played an unbeaten 10-ball 28 runs knock to propel India to 178/3 in the allotted 20 overs.
In reply, Nepal could manage only 96/9 playing the same number of overs. Despite limited opportunities in international cricket so far, Nepal did impress with their efforts on field.
The highlight of the Indian victory was Shafali's career-best 81 and a disciplined bowling effort by the defending champions.
India with three wins topped Group A, while Pakistan with a couple of victories also ensured a semifinal entry.
The other two teams of Group A also fought well. Nepal posted a win over UAE, while UAE lost all their three games.
India will now face the second team of Group B, while Pakistan will clash with Group B topper. The two remaining matches of Group B will be played on Wednesday.
Basing on team performance and expert predictions, India are likely to play Bangladesh in the semifinals, while Pakistan may face Sri Lanka. However, the semi line-up will be clear after the two remaining matches of Group B are over.
Both the semi-finals will be played on July 26 (Friday), while the title clash is scheduled for July 28 (Sunday).
Brief scores:
India Women 178/3 (20 overs),
Pakistan Women 96/9 (20 overs).
India women won by 82 runs.
Player of the Match: Shafali Verma.
India and Pakistan qualify for semifinals from Group A.
