India crowned champions of inaugural Under-19 Women’s Asia Cup after defeating Bangladesh

India, led by Niki Prasad, emerged victorious in the ACC Under-19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 by defeating Bangladesh in the summit clash in Malaysia on Saturday, December 22. Gongadi Trisha and the bowlers helped the team become champions in the inaugural edition of the Asian tournament.

Gongadi Trisha, who played a key role in India’s Women’s T20 World Cup victory last year, scored a crucial half-century. Niki Prasad’s side defeated Bangladesh by 41 runs in the final at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur. India remained unbeaten throughout the recently concluded tournament.

Indian Team Collapses to 117/7 in 20 Overs During Summit Clash

Earlier, India was asked to bat first in the final match. The Indian team managed to score just 117 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. Trisha was the top scorer for India with 52 runs off 47 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes. Mithila Vinod added 17 runs, hitting two boundaries in the final over.

For Bangladesh, pacer Farjana Easmin starred with the ball, taking 4/31 in her four overs, including the key wickets of Kamilini, Sanika, Trisha, and Mithila. Nishita Akter Nishi provided strong support by taking two wickets. Habiba Islam picked up one, and Anisa Akter Soba conceded 12 runs in four overs.

Aayushi Shukla the Tournament’s Leading Wicket-Taker

In response, Bangladesh got off to a poor start with Mosammat Eva and Sumaiya Akhter failing to reach double digits. Fahomida Choya and Juairiya Ferdous, who scored 18 and 22 runs, respectively, tried to fight back. However, their efforts were not enough, as Sumaiya Akter’s dismissal triggered a collapse.

VJ Joshitha set the tone by dismissing Eva for a duck in the second over. Bangladesh lost their last seven wickets for just 21 runs. They were bowled out for just 76 runs in 18.3 overs during the final. Aayushi took three wickets for 17 runs in her 3.3 overs, while Parunika and Sonam took two wickets each.

India’s dominant bowling display not only secured the title but also showcased their depth in the bowling department. The team will now aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for the U19 Women’s World Cup next year.

India and Bangladesh Line Up for Asia Cup Final

India Women U19: Niki Prasad (C), Sanika Chalke, G Trisha, Kamalini G (WK), Bhavika Ahire (WK), Ishawari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Joshitha VJ, Sonam Yadav, Parunika Sisodiya, Kesari Drithi, Aayushi Shukla, Anandita Kishor, MD Shabnam, Nandhana S.

Bangladesh Women U19: Sumaiya Akter (C), Afia Ashima Era, Mst Eva, Fahomida Choya, Habiba Islam Pinky, Juairiya Ferdous, Fariya Akter, Farjana Easmin, Anisa Akter Soba, Sumaiya Akther Suborna, Nishita Akter Nishi, Arvin Tani, Jannatul Maoua, Sadia Akter, Maharun Nesa.

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