Pakistan or Sri Lanka? Harmanpreet Kaur's bold statement on preferred opponent for Women's Asia Cup final after semifinal win vs Bangladesh

India secured a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first semifinal of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, booking their place in the final. The match, held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on July 26, saw India completely outclass their opponents. This will be India's ninth straight appearance at the Women's Asia Cup final.

India dominate Bangladesh, reach Women's Asia Cup final

Renuka Thakur’s exceptional bowling performance proved to be the turning point. Her early burst of wickets, including a three-wicket haul in the Powerplay, restricted Bangladesh to a paltry 80/8. Radha Yadav also chipped in with three wickets as India’s bowlers dominated throughout. In reply, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma effortlessly chased down the target, with Mandhana anchoring the innings with a half-century. Despite winning the toss and opting to bat first, Bangladesh struggled against India’s bowling attack, despite captain Nigar Sultana's sedate 51-ball 32.

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India will face the winner of the second semifinal between hosts Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Meanwhile, India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was asked about the preferred opponent for the Women's Asia Cup 2024 final, to which she replied:

“[Pakistan or Sri Lanka?] Any team works, we will watch tonight and whoever is there, we'll prepare well”.

 

Speaking about the match, Harmanpreet heaped immense praise on India's sharp bowling.

 

"Our bowlers did a great job. Did what we spoke in the team meetings. Proud of our bowling. A lot of pressure on us, because we have been dominating Asian cricket. We want to keep doing what we are doing for a long time. We prepare ourselves very hard in nets, so that when we go out there, we don't feel pressure. Everyday, the bowlers are coming up with positive approach. They are hitting the right lines and lengths, and they give me confidence. Consistency is important for us, we just want to keep doing well," she said at the post-match presentation.

 

Renuka, Radha's stunning spells break Bangladesh's back

 

Renuka Singh made an immediate impact, dismissing Dilara Akter in the first over. Akter's attempt to hit consecutive sixes ended with a catch to Uma Chetry at square leg. The pacer continued her impressive spell by removing Ishma Tanjim and Murshida Khatun, leaving Bangladesh reeling. Radha Yadav joined the wicket-taking party, dismissing Rumana Ahmed with her first delivery. She returned in the final over to claim two more wickets, including the prized scalp of captain Nigar Sultana, who had been unbeaten in the tournament. Nahida Akter was also dismissed in the same over. Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma contributed to India's bowling success with a wicket each, as Bangladesh's batting lineup crumbled under pressure.

 

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Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana while ruing loss against India, said:

 

“We couldn't understand what we wanted. Losing too many wickets in the powerplay hurt. When top order is not making runs, it is difficult for teams to come up with runs. It is about mentality. They are capable of playing shots, but against India, they play differently. We need to work on our batting, because of that we are losing games. Before World Cup, we will try and rectify our mistakes. Shorna has job to do in the five-six overs, unlucky today to not get strike. She is showing her capability, she came from the Under-19s and is showing character.”

 

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