India guaranteed a place in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-finals today. India has been in excellent form throughout the campaign, and despite suffering an upset against Pakistan, they rebounded to trounce Bangladesh. Thailand, meanwhile, will be looking to produce their upset and advance to the semi-finals after a memorable victory against Pakistan, followed by triumphs over the UAE and Malaysia. Observing how India approaches the game after experimenting extensively during the competition would be intriguing.

India Women won the toss and opted to field first. The first inning started with Koncharoenkai and Natthakan Chantham at the crease, and Deepti Sharma opened the attack. Koncharoenkai hit the first four of the inning in the second over against that ball of Meghna Singh. 

The first wicket of Natthakan Chantham came into the account of India in the 3rd over. Deepti Sharma bowled out Chantham after scoring 6(11). The tight balling of the Indian team restrained Thailand from scoring not more than 15 runs during the powerplay. 

In the 7th over, Sneh Rana got 2 back-to-back wickets from Koncharoenkai and Sutthiruang. Nannapat Koncharoenkai was the crucial wicket for India, and she went after scoring 11(16). While on the other hand, Sutthiruang was bowled out without even chasing any run for Thailand. 

Thailand Women aren’t used to this quality in spin or pace, and the batters struggled to show composure at the crease. After the wickets on Koncharoenkai and Sutthiruang, India got wicket after wicket and took all the wickets of Thailand in 16 overs. Deepti Sharma took 2 wickets, Rana was on-lit as she hit 3 wickets, Meghna Singh 1 wicket, and Gayakwad 1 wicket. All the bowlers barring Pooja, got into the wickets column. Thailand has been shot out for 37. 

The second inning started with Meghana and Shafali Verma at the crease, and Boochatham opened the attack. Meghana hit the first four of the inning in the second over. Shafali Verma was dismissed earlier in the 3rd over. Boochatham took this wicket with a length ball. Shafali lost her shape, smashed the ball in the air, and was unfortunately caught out by Tippoch. 

Shafali Verma fell for 8, but India capped off the match inside the powerplay. Meghana and Vastrakar struck two boundaries in the sixth over and remained unbeaten as India won this encounter with 14 overs to spare. 

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