Bhubaneswar: On Sunday, July 21, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh delivered outstanding performances, propelling India into the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 with a commanding 78-run victory over the UAE.
India posted an imposing total of 201 runs in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Kaur and Ghosh, while the UAE struggled in their chase, thwarted by the disciplined Indian bowlers.
This match marked a historic milestone for India, as it was the first time they surpassed the 200-run mark in a T20 International. Additionally, Richa Ghosh became the first Indian wicketkeeper-batter to score a fifty in the Women’s Asia Cup. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also shone brightly, top-scoring with 66 runs.
After winning the toss, the UAE opted to field first. India started strongly with openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. Despite Mandhana’s early departure, Shafali maintained an aggressive stance, scoring 37 runs off just 18 balls and helping India reach 52 runs within the first five overs before her dismissal.
India concluded their innings at 201 for 5 after 20 overs, setting a new benchmark for themselves in the format.