Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India clinched their second consecutive victory in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. They began their campaign with a commanding seven-wicket win over Pakistan, followed by a dominant 78-run triumph against UAE in their second match on Sunday.
Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss, UAE faced the consequences as India amassed a formidable total of 201/5. Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a brisk 66 off 47 deliveries, while Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 64 off just 29 balls, making significant contributions with the bat. Opening batter Shafali Verma contributed 37 runs, while Smriti Mandhana was dismissed early after scoring 13 runs.
Most T20I Runs For India Women’s
Harmanpeet Kaur- 3415
Smriti Mandhana-3378
Mithali Raj- 2364
Most runs in Women’s T20Is:
4348 – Suzie Bates (159 Inns)
3415 – Harmanpreet Kaur (152 Inns)
3405 – Meg Lanning (121 Inns)
3378 – Smriti Mandhana (133 Inns)
3338 – Stafanie Taylor (118 Inns)
En route to 66, Harmanpreet Kaur became the top-scorer for India in Women’s T20Is getting past Smriti Mandhana. Kaur is now on 3415 runs while Mandhana is second-highest with 3378 runs. Former Indian women’s skipper Mithali Raj is the third-highest run-getter for India with 2364 runs.
Harmanpreet Kaur surpassed Smriti Mandhana’s total appearances in T20Is for India during her 171st match, cementing her status as the most capped player in both men’s and women’s cricket from the country. Mandhana, nearing Kaur’s record, has played nearly 40 matches fewer.
Following an impressive batting performance, the Indian bowlers took charge, restricting UAE to 123/7. Utilizing a diverse attack, every bowler contributed with wickets, with all-rounder Deepti Sharma claiming two scalps and newcomer Tanuja Kanwar dismissing a batsman.
Heading into the tournament as defending champions, the India Women’s team has clinched the Asia Cup title seven times and has initiated their campaign with a promising path towards an eighth victory.
After a brief absence from the field, Harmanpreet Kaur assured fans of her well-being during the post-match presentation. She commended her team’s performance and credited their efforts for securing a convincing victory for India.
Harmanpreet Kaur On Her Innings
“Yeah I’m absolutely fine (she was off the field towards the end). Great feeling. When Jemi and I were batting, we spoke that we had to run hard rather than just going for risky shots. Our focus was on getting 7-8 runs per over. When Richa came, I just told her to keep watching the ball and see how wicket is playing. She batted beautifully. My role was just to stay on the pitch and keep rotating strike. Whenever loose balls come, convert them to the boundary” said Kaur.
She also praised Richa Ghosh for her quickfire knock and admitted that it was due to her knock that India went past 200. The keeper-batter hit 12 fours and a six in her-29-ball stay at the crease striking at a strike rate of 220.
“Credit to Richa. Because of her we reached the target. Special innings for me (anniversary of her knock against Australia). Great memory overall whenever we talk women’s cricket in India. It always gives me positive vibes” Kaur concluded saying.
With two wins, India are topping their group with a healthy NRR of +3.298. The final league game is against Nepal on Thursday.
