Vastrakar breaks the back of BAN-W batting; IND-W enter Asian Games final

In a lopsided affair, the Indian women’s cricket team clinically defeated Bangladesh on Sunday by eight wickets to romp into the finals of the Asian Games. Bowling out Bangladesh for a paltry 51 in 17.5 overs at Hangzhou in China, India made light work of the run chase as they overhauled the target in 8.2 overs.

Pooja Vastrakar, with her T20I career-best figures of 4/17, broke the back of Bangladesh’s batting. The 23-year-old was supported by debutant Titas Sadhu (1/10), all-rounder Amanjot Kaur (1/10), and the spin twins Rajeshwari Gayakwad (1/8) and Devika Vaidya (1/0). Bangladesh’s captain Nigar Sultana (12) was the lone batter to score in double digits.

In reply, despite losing the in-form openers Smriti Mandhana (7) and Shafali Verma (17) to Marufa Akter and Fahima Khatun, respectively, there were no further hiccups, as Jemimah Rodrigues (20*) steadied the ship and guided India to a comfortable win.

Last week, the Indian men’s cricket team bundled out Sri Lanka for 50 in the Asia Cup’s final; today, the women’s team rattled Bangladesh for 51 in the semi-final of the Asian Games. Indeed, Indian cricket seems to be on a roll this month so far.