On an evening of few experiments, India had been nonetheless too good for Nepal as they completed the group stage of Ladies’s Asia Cup with an ideal document. Opting to bat first, and using a modified batting line-up, India posted 178/3, led by Shafali Verma’s T20I finest rating of 81. Nepal managed to play out the 20 overs within the run-chase, ending on 96/9.
The primary of many adjustments for India was Smriti Mandhana strolling out for the toss. Harmanpreet Kaur, who didn’t area for a half of India’s defence in opposition to UAE however insisted she is okay after the match, was evidently rested. Her Mumbai Indians teammate Sajana Sajeevan obtained a sport, as did Arundhati Reddy, who changed Pooja Vastrakar, who has been enjoying continuous in latest weeks.
One other experiment got here straight away after Mandhana gained the toss, as she didn’t stroll out for the remainder of the Indian innings. It was Hemalatha Dayalan who obtained the nod to open the batting, alongside Shafali. The jury will likely be out on whether or not the experiment labored. On the one hand, Hemalatha obtained a while out within the center, staying until the 14th over. It wasn’t at all times the simplest pitch to bat on, the weariness leading to slowness and lowness.
!#TeamIndia proceed their profitable run in #WomensAsiaCup2024 👏👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/PeRykFLdTV#ACC | #INDvNEP pic.twitter.com/8Eg77qAJOt
— BCCI Ladies (@BCCIWomen) July 23, 2024
However, having mentioned that, a 42-ball innings that resulted in 47 runs doesn’t do her lots of good, particularly if India proceed to again her at No 3 in opposition to more durable opponents. She had proven sparks of excellent intent not too long ago in opposition to Bangladesh. However presuming Yastika Bhatia returns to the scheme of issues in some unspecified time in the future, and the worth Jemimah Rodrigues might herald at one-down, the strain is certain to stay on Hemalatha.
There have been no such worries for Shafali although, who breezed to one more career-best knock in fast time. Not lengthy after her double century within the Take a look at in opposition to South Africa in Chennai, Shafali employed a lot of the identical ways to punish the Nepal bowlers. She averted going for cross-batted pictures, focused primarily the ‘V’ area from extra-cover to midwicket, and used the forearm energy to good impact. Nepal’s poor catching did assist her alongside the best way, however to Shafali’s credit score, she is beginning to present the appliance to play longer knocks and that augurs properly for India.
For her opening brilliance of 81 off simply 48 deliveries, @TheShafaliVerma turns into the Participant of the Match 👏👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/PeRykFLdTV#Teamindia | #WomensAsiaCup2024 | #ACC | #INDvNEP pic.twitter.com/vrXz9Mhoar
— BCCI Ladies (@BCCIWomen) July 23, 2024
“I attempted to again my strengths and I used to be capable of execute it, in order that was good,” Shafali, the participant of the match, mentioned. “Sure, the consistency is coming in however I nonetheless wish to end my innings higher. In fact, the 200 within the Take a look at gave me lots of confidence. It’s a huge achievement for a batter, and it gave me lots of confidence that I hope to take ahead.”
Rodrigues gave India a bit of little bit of push ultimately to take them near 180 though it felt at half-way stage that Nepal had carried out properly to forestall the match favourites from reaching 200 in back-to-back matches. However the goal was at all times going to be powerful for an inexperienced Nepal aspect, with Deepti Sharma as soon as once more main the best way for India. The off-spinner added a three-fer to her title to associate with a direct hit for run out. Arundhati too bowled spectacular line and lengths to choose up a few wickets and hold her title within the combine for a extra constant spot within the first XI.
“Actually proud of the best way Shafali batted,” Mandhana mentioned after the match. “We completed off very well. Not lots of pre-decision (in making the adjustments). The wind is totally different to what we’ve again dwelling, so we simply need the middle-order to get a while within the center.”
India’s semifinal opponents are but to be formally confirmed however having topped the group comfortably, they’re prone to face Bangladesh, barring any main upset on Wednesday. Pakistan, who’ve discovered some momentum after a heavy defeat in opposition to India, have completed second within the group and can seemingly tackle Sri Lanka within the different semifinals.
Temporary scores: India 178/3 in 20 ovs (Shafali 81, Hemalatha 47, Magar 2/25) bt Nepal 96/9 in 20 ovs (Deepti 3/13, Radha 2/12, Reddy 2/28) by 82 runs.
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