Shafali Verma’s Masterclass Powers India into Women’s Asia Cup 2024 Semi-Finals
In a spectacular display of batting, Shafali Verma’s career-best 81 and Jemimah Rodrigues’ quickfire 28 guided India to a commanding 82-run victory over Nepal, securing their spot in the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. With a perfect record of three wins from three matches, India topped Group A. Pakistan, who triumphed over UAE earlier, also progressed to the knockout stage with two victories out of three.
Choosing to bat first, the Indian team, led by Smriti Mandhana, set a formidable target of 178 for 3. Shafali’s energetic innings and a solid opening partnership with D Hemalatha laid the foundation. Nepal, struggling against India’s potent bowling attack and unfamiliar with playing under lights, could only manage 96 for 9 in 20 overs.
Shafali’s Brilliant Knock and Hemalatha’s Struggle
With a semi-final spot virtually assured, India rested regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur and all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, giving opportunities to S Sajana and Arundhati Reddy. Hemalatha was promoted to open with Shafali. While Shafali quickly adjusted and accelerated, Hemalatha found it challenging to get into rhythm. Despite a few good shots, Hemalatha’s 42-ball 47 reflected her struggle against an Associate team on a slow pitch.
In contrast, Shafali thrived, exploiting Nepal’s inconsistent bowling. Her powerful strokes included flicks, straight drives, and slog sweeps. She reached her tenth T20I fifty in just 26 balls, and India was on track to surpass 200 runs before Nepal’s left-arm spinner, Sita Rana Magar, made a crucial impact, dismissing both openers in quick succession.
India’s Strong Finish and Reddy’s Performance
Despite a slight slowdown in scoring, Rodrigues’ smart batting, with five boundaries in her 15-ball 28*, pushed India closer to 180 runs. The performances of Hemalatha and Sajana will be under scrutiny as India prepares for the T20 World Cup in October.
Reddy, capitalizing on an opportunity due to Titas Sadhu’s injury, showcased her skills with the ball, taking 2 for 28 in her four overs. Her recent improvements in bowling variations were evident as she dismissed opener Samjhana Khadka and Magar, contributing significantly to Nepal’s early collapse.
Nepal struggled throughout their chase and were unable to recover, ensuring India’s dominant position in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024.