ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup 2024: G Trisha’s Knock Anchors India U19 To A Commanding Victory Over Bangladesh U19

India Under-19s cruised to a commanding 8-wicket victory over Bangladesh Under-19s in the Super Four stage of the ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup 2024 at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur. Winning the toss and opting to field, India’s bowlers set the tone for the match with a disciplined performance, restricting Bangladesh to a meager 80 for 8 in their 20 overs.

Sluggish Start For Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s innings began with a flicker of hope, but it quickly unraveled under the relentless pressure exerted by the Indian bowlers. Opener Fahomida Choya attempted to lay a foundation, scoring 10 runs off 14 deliveries, including a crisp boundary. Her partner Mosammat Eva provided some resistance, crafting a team-high score of 14 off 19 balls. 

Eva’s effort, which included three well-timed fours, offered brief glimpses of a counterattack. However, their inability to convert starts into significant contributions proved costly, as Bangladesh struggled to stitch together meaningful partnerships.

Aayushi Shukla’s Stellar Bowling Effort

The turning point came early in the innings when Aayushi Shukla was introduced into the attack. Displaying exceptional control and tactical nous, Shukla dismantled the Bangladesh top order with her clever variations and pinpoint accuracy. She first accounted for Fahomida Choya, inducing a mistimed shot that resulted in a straightforward catch. 

Shortly after, she dismissed Mosammat Eva, the linchpin of Bangladesh’s innings, further denting their hopes of posting a competitive total. Shukla’s third scalp came in the form of Afia Ashima, trapped plumb in front, leaving Bangladesh reeling. Her spell of 4 overs yielded remarkable figures of 3 for 9, underscoring her dominance.

The middle order failed to offer any resistance. Sumaiya Akther labored through a painstaking 21-ball 9 before falling to a probing delivery from Shabnam Shakil, while captain Sumaiya Akter’s stay at the crease was alarmingly brief, as she was run out for just 1 due to sharp work by Indian wicketkeeper G Kamalini. This dismissal epitomized the pressure created by India’s fielding unit, which was alert and precise throughout the innings.

India’s Supreme Bowling Effort

Sonam Yadav emerged as another standout performer for India, complementing Shukla’s heroics with her own brand of miserly and incisive bowling. Yadav’s 4-over spell yielded just 6 runs and two crucial wickets. Her ability to maintain a probing line and length stifled the Bangladeshi batters, who were unable to break free. Yadav’s victims included Jannatul Maoua, who fell cheaply for 4, and Sadia Akter, dismissed for 2 after a prolonged struggle.

Shabnam Shakil and Mithila Vinod chipped in with a wicket apiece, further tightening the noose around the Bangladeshi innings. The disciplined Indian attack ensured that the scoring rate remained under control, with Bangladesh managing a run rate of just 4.00 per over. Only towards the end did Habiba Islam inject some life into the innings, smashing a spirited 11 off just 4 balls, including a boundary and a six. However, her cameo came too late to alter the course of the innings significantly.

The final total of 80 for 8 was reflective of Bangladesh’s inability to handle the relentless Indian attack. Their innings was characterized by frequent breakthroughs, stifling dot-ball pressure, and an overall lack of partnerships. The Indian bowlers’ disciplined effort was complemented by agile and effective fielding, highlighted by Kamalini’s pivotal run-out. The performance by Aayushi Shukla and Sonam Yadav, in particular, exemplified India’s dominance with the ball, as they kept Bangladesh in check from start to finish.

India Makes Light Work Of The Chase

India’s chase of the modest 81-run target was a masterclass in composure and precision, primarily anchored by the brilliant Gongadi Trisha. Opening the innings, Trisha displayed an exceptional blend of temperament and skill, crafting an unbeaten 58 off just 46 balls. Her innings was a showcase of elegant stroke play, laced with 10 boundaries that pierced the field with surgical accuracy. From the outset, Trisha looked in control, managing to balance caution with aggression, and she quickly became the backbone of India’s innings.

The chase, however, did not begin smoothly. Anisa Akter Soba, Bangladesh’s standout bowler, struck early to inject some drama into the proceedings. In just the second over, Soba trapped Indian wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini lbw for a duck, dealing an early blow to India’s confidence. Kamalini’s dismissal left the score at 10 for 1, giving Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. Soba continued to trouble the Indian batters with her disciplined line and length, and her persistence paid off again when she dismissed Sanika Chalke for 1. Chalke, who struggled to find rhythm, was caught by Farjana Easmin, leaving India at 22 for 2 in the fifth over.

G Trisha Shines

Despite the minor setbacks, Trisha remained unflustered, showcasing a maturity beyond her years. Her shot selection was impeccable as she waited patiently for loose deliveries, punishing them with authority. 

She kept the scoreboard ticking with a mix of deft placements and powerful drives, ensuring that the required run rate never became a concern. Her ability to find the gaps and maintain composure under pressure was a testament to her skill and temperament as an opener.

At the other end, captain Niki Prasad joined Trisha at a critical juncture. With India two wickets down and still requiring 59 runs, the skipper brought a sense of calmness and aggression to the chase. Prasad’s knock of 22 not out off just 14 balls was the perfect foil to Trisha’s steady approach. Prasad signaled her intent early, smashing a boundary and two towering sixes that not only demoralized the Bangladeshi bowlers but also accelerated India’s march towards the target. Her authoritative stroke play allowed Trisha to focus on anchoring the innings, and the duo’s contrasting styles created a seamless partnership.

The pair’s unbroken 64-run stand for the third wicket was a clinical partnership. They complemented each other brilliantly, with Prasad’s aggression and Trisha’s steadiness ensuring there were no further hiccups in the chase. Together, they guided India to 86 for 2 in just 12.1 overs, wrapping up the match with 47 balls to spare. The partnership not only highlighted their individual abilities but also underscored the depth and resilience of India’s batting lineup.

Bangladesh’s bowling effort, while spirited, lacked the incisiveness needed to defend such a low total. Anisa Akter Soba was the pick of the bowlers, returning impressive figures of 2 for 19 in her 4 overs. Her early strikes briefly put India on the back foot, but she lacked the necessary support from the other end. Fahomida Choya and Afia Ashima struggled to contain the Indian batters, leaking runs at over 7 runs per over. The absence of sustained pressure allowed India to recover quickly and dominate the chase.

India’s victory was a testament to their all-around strength. The disciplined and effective bowling effort, followed by sharp fielding and a composed batting display, ensured that they remained in control throughout the match. 

Trisha’s heroics with the bat, supported by Prasad’s aggressive cameo, highlighted the team’s ability to handle pressure and adapt to the situation. This comprehensive win solidifies India’s position as a formidable contender in the tournament, while Bangladesh faces the challenge of addressing their batting vulnerabilities and finding ways to support their key bowlers better.

ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Bangladesh vs India– Super 4: Match 8

Bangladesh U19: 80/8 in 20 overs (Mosammat Eva 14, Fahomida Choya 10; Aayushi Shukla 3/9, Sonam Yadav 2/6) lost to India U19: 86/2 in 12.1 overs (Gongadi Trisha 58*, Niki Prasad 22*; Anisa Akter Soba 2/19) 8 wickets.

Click Here to get the latest news related to Women’s Cricket. You can also check about Match predictions here. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more updates.