New Delhi: India A defeated Bangladesh A by 46 runs in the final to defend their Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars title at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on Sunday, February 22. The Women in Blue successfully defended a 135-run target to claim their second Rising Stars Trophy in as many editions of the tournament.

Chasing the target, Bangladesh A got off to a disappointing start as Saima Thakor dismissed Ishma Tanjim for just 3 runs in the third over. Shamima Sultana scored 20 runs, and Sarmin Sultana contributed 18, but the duo was dismissed by Prema Rawat and Radha Yadav, respectively.

After their dismissal, their middle and lower order failed to make a significant contribution, as Bangladesh bowled out for 88 runs in 19.1 overs. For India, Prema picked up three wickets, while Sonia Mendhiya and Tanuja Kanwar took two wickets each.

𝗖.𝗛.𝗔.𝗠.𝗣.𝗜.𝗢.𝗡.𝗦 🏆

The Radha Yadav-led India A team clinch the #WomensRisingStarsAsiaCup title 🇮🇳 🙌

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/BazaDT9PQD pic.twitter.com/aCKmZ8w5aO

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen)

Earlier, the Women in Blue got off to a good start after opting to bat first in the crucial encounter as Nandini Kashyap and Vrinda Dinesh stitched a 30-run partnership for the opening wicket. After their dismissals, Anushka Sharma (8) and Minnu Mani (0) also failed to contribute with the bat as India lost four wickets for just 44 runs.

But, Tejal Hasabnis batted brilliantly in the match and scored 51 runs off 34 balls, hitting three boundaries and two maximums. She forged a crucial 69-run partnership with skipper Radha Yadav for the fifth wicket, helping India to recover well after losing quick wickets at the start.

Bangladesh A captain Fahim Khatun took four wickets, while Fatema Jahan and Farjana Easmin also took one each to keep their team firmly in the game, but their batters failed to chase down the target.