India advances to the final thanks to Vastrakar’s four-for

India defeated Bangladesh to easily advance to the 2023 Asian Games final, helped by Pooja Vastrakar’s 4-fer.

At the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field in Hangzhou, Bangladesh was bowled out for 51, a score that was knocked down in 8.2 overs with 8 wickets remaining.

After deciding to bat, Bangladesh quickly found themselves in trouble as Vastrakar bowled both of their openers for first-ball ducks. Shamima Sultana was caught leg-before as Shathi Rani pushed toward the ‘keeper. Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, and Marufa Akter were the other two of the five batters in the inning who failed to score.

In an effort to calm the innings, Sobhana Mostary and captain Nigar Sultana held on for four overs for the third wicket, although without much success. Sultana was the only player to reach double digits, scoring 12, but her stay was cut short by a direct hit from cover by Devika Vaidya. Even though India managed two run outs, they were not at their best. Smriti Mandhana and Vaidya missed simple opportunities, awarding Mostary and Ritu Moni each a life while doing little to no damage.

Despite losing Mandhana early in the run chase, India was already ahead. With a boundary off the first ball, Mandhana got things moving, while Marufa’s wayward batting helped add some crucial runs in the first over. Following that, Jemimah Rodrigues (20*) and Shafali Verma (17) made sure there weren’t too many glitches in the process. The Bangladeshi bowlers’ seven wides furthered their cause.

With this victory, India has guaranteed themselves a Silver Medal in their first Asian Games campaign, while Bangladesh, a two-time Silver Medalist, will compete for the Bronze Medal against the losers of the match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Brief Scores: India 52/2 in 8.2 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 20*, Shafali Verma 17; Fahima Khatun 1-7) defeated Bangladesh 51 in 17.5 overs (Nigar Sultana 12; Pooja Vastrakar 4-17, Devika Vaidya 1-0) by 8 wickets.