India and Sri Lanka qualified for the final in the eighth Women’s Asia Cup with contrasting wins in their respective semi-finals in Sylhet, Bangladesh on Thursday, October 13, 2022.
India beat Thailand comfortably by 74 runs in the first semi-final before Sri Lanka eked out a one-run win over Pakistan in the other semi-final at Sylhet Outer Cricket Stadium. India went into the first semi-final as strong favourites, having qualified for the final in seven previous editions.
Shafali Verma hit 42 off 28 balls while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur added 36 off 30 balls as India posted 148-6 in 20 overs after they were sent to bat first by Thailand captain Naruemol Chaiwai.
Sornnarin Tippoch led Thailand`s attack with 3-24 to restrict India to a modest score, but their batters failed to complement the bowlers. Deepti Sharma gave away just seven runs to claim three wickets, while Rajeshwari Gayakwad was equally impressive with 2-10 as India restricted Thailand to 74-9. Chaiwai and Nattaya Boochatham scored 21 runs each for Thailand.
In the second semi-final, Harshitha Samarawickrama’s 35 and Anushka Sanjeewani’s 26 helped Sri Lanka post 122-6, opting to bat against Pakistan. Nashra Sandhu kept it tight for the Pakistani bowlers with 3-17. In reply, Pakistan looked on course when skipper Bismah Maroof made 42 runs before Sri Lankan bowlers made a late comeback.
Nida Rashid, who was consistent throughout the tournament, was at the strike when Pakistan needed three runs from the last ball of the 20th over. Her run out for 26 runs attempting to score a second run restricted Pakistan to 121-6, which ensured Sri Lanka’s first final in 14 years. Seven top teams from Asia have participated in the tournament, with four qualifying for the semi-finals after intense battles in the league phase.
The final will take place on October 15.
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