India secured a decisive 82-run victory over Nepal in their Group A clash at the Women’s Asia Cup, advancing to the semi-finals at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday. This win marked India’s third consecutive triumph in the tournament, earning them the top spot in their group with six points.
The match saw an impressive performance from Indian spinners following a blistering innings by Shafali Verma. Facing a target of 179 runs, Nepal's batting struggled right from the start. They lost their opener, Samjhana Khadka, for just 7 runs in the second over to Anurndhati Reddy. Sita Rana Magar and Kabita Kunwar attempted to stabilize the innings during the Power-play, but Reddy struck again, dismissing Kunwar for 6 in the fifth over.
Sita and captain Indu Barma briefly revived Nepal's hopes with a 22-run partnership for the third wicket. However, Radha Yadav quickly dismantled this stand, leaving Nepal at a precarious 43/3 after 9.2 overs. Sita was dismissed soon after by Reddy, leaving Nepal with half their side out and over 120 runs still needed.
The situation worsened for Nepal in the 14th over as Deepti Sharma removed Rubina Chetry (15) and Kabita Joshi (0) within three deliveries. Nepal struggled to recover, losing wickets consistently and ending their innings at 96/9 after 20 overs. Deepti Sharma was the standout performer with 3 wickets for 13 runs in her four overs, supported by Reddy and Radha Yadav, who each claimed two scalps.
Earlier, India, having chosen to bat first, posted a formidable 178/3. Shafali Verma’s explosive 81 off 47 balls and Dayalan Hemalatha’s 47 were pivotal in setting a challenging target. Shafali wasted no time, striking two boundaries in the first over and continued her aggressive play throughout, reaching her half-century in just 26 balls.
Shafali’s onslaught left Nepal struggling to find a response, though they had a chance to dismiss Hemalatha in the 12th over. Captain Indu Barma’s missed catch at long-off, however, kept Hemalatha in play. Eventually, Hemalatha was dismissed for 47 in the 14th over, with Rubina Chhetry holding on to a catch at long-on.
Shafali was eventually out for 81, her innings featuring 12 boundaries and a six. Sajeevan Sajana and Jemimah Rodrigues added 23 runs before Sajana was dismissed for 10. Rodrigues showcased her hitting prowess with an unbeaten 28 off 15 balls, while Richa Ghosh contributed 6 not out, pushing India to 178/3 in their allotted 20 overs. For Nepal, Sita Rana Magar was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 25 runs.
India will now face the second-placed team from Group B in the semi-finals on Friday.
Brief Scores:
- India:178/3 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 81, Dayalan Hemalatha 47; Sita Rana Magar 2-25)
- Nepal: 96/9 in 20 overs (Bindu Rawal 17*, Sita Rana Magar 18; Deepti Sharma 3-13, Radha Yadav 2-12)
- Result: India won by 82 runs
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