Dambulla, July 24: Defending champions Team India continued their dominant run in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 with a commanding performance against Nepal in their final Group A fixture on Tuesday. The victory, driven by a stellar innings from opener Shafali Verma, ensured India’s progression to the semifinals.In the absence of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who was rested for this match, Shafali Verma took center stage. Verma delivered her career-best T20I score of 81, providing the foundation for a formidable total. She, along with Dayalan Hemalatha, forged a 122-run partnership, dismantling Nepal’s bowling attack. India’s final total was a robust 178-3 in 20 overs, with Jemimah Rodrigues contributing a quickfire 28 not out from 15 balls.
Nepal struggled to keep up with the aggressive Indian batting, eventually being restricted to 96-9 in their 20 overs. The Indian bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with Renuka Thakur Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, and Deepti Sharma each making crucial contributions. Deepti Sharma was particularly effective, claiming 3 wickets for 15 runs, leading India to a comfortable 82-run victory.
India’s form throughout the tournament has been impressive. In their previous game, India overwhelmed the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Richa Ghosh scoring her maiden T20I half-century and setting several records. Ghosh’s unbeaten 64 off 29 balls, combined with Harmanpreet Kaur’s significant innings, helped India post their highest T20I total of 201-5 in 20 overs. The UAE, in reply, could only manage 123-7, resulting in a 78-run defeat.
With this latest win, India has topped Group A, continuing their unbeaten streak. They will join Pakistan, who also advanced from the group stage, in the semifinals of the tournament. The team’s balanced performance with both bat and ball underscores their status as strong contenders for the title.
As Team India prepares for the knockout stages, the focus will shift to maintaining this form and ensuring a successful campaign through to the final.
