The Women’s Asia Cup T20 finally had a new winner in
the form of Bangladesh, when the invincible team India was handed a defeat by
their neighbours on Sunday at Kuala Lumpur. Winning the Asia Cup six out of six
times, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side was the popular choice for clinching the
Aia Cup this year as well. However, the dark horse fought hard to grab its maiden
Asia Cup.
Electing to bowl first, Bangladesh restricted India
to a parsimonious total of 112-9 in 20 overs. Failure of the top order did no
good to India. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (56 off 42) led from the front but did
not find an able ally. Khadija Tul Kubra and Rumana Ahmed were the pick of the
bowlers picking up two wickets apiece.
In reply, India gave a tough fight and took the match
all the down to the last ball of the match. Leggie Poonam Yadav was the
wrecker-in-chief scalping 4-9 in her four-over spell. However, Bangladesh was
determined to win and never let the nerves come in their way. First with the
ball and then with the bat, Rumana Ahmed (23 off 22) had a lion’s share in
Bangladesh’s win.
Scorecard: IndW 112-9 in 20 overs (H Kaur 56; K Kubra 2-23, R Ahmed 2-22); lost to Bangladesh 113-7 in 20 overs (N Sultana 27, R Ahmed 23; P Yadav 4-9) by 3 wickets
Source: Indian Express
