India A wins ACC Emerging Asia Cup 2023 title, beat Bangladesh A by 31 runs in final 

India A (Source: Twitter)

India A defeated Bangladesh A by 31 runs in the final at the Mission Round Ground in Mong Kok, Hong Kong, on Wednesday, June 21, to become the champions of the inaugural edition of the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup T20. The spin duo of Shreyanka Patil and Mannat Kashyap put on an outstanding effort to bundle out Bangladesh for 96 in a 128-run chase.

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, openers Shweta Sehrawat and Uma Chetry got off to a sluggish start, and Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan took their wickets, respectively. Dinesh Vrinda and Kanika Ahuja’s knocks gave life to India's innings. Vrinda scored 36 off 29 with five fours and a six before Sultana Khatun dismissed her. On the other hand, Kanika remained unbeaten till the end, scoring 30 off 23 balls with four 4s to ensure India reached a respectable total.

None of the other batters found any resistance and could not touch the 10-run mark. Nahida, who finished with figures of 4-0-13-2, was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh A. Sultana Khatun also took two wickets in the process, while Sanjida Akter Meghla and Rabeya each took one.

Shreyanka Patil and Mannat Kashyap tear through Bangladesh

In response, Mannat Kashyap produced an early breakthrough for India by removing Dilara Akter for five runs. Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals and was 66 for six in 13 overs when rain interrupted play. They might have thought of a fresh start after the game resumed, but the Women in Blue didn't let that momentum disappear.

The Indian bowlers did not allow Bangladeshi batters to touch the 20-run mark, with Nahida Akter, being their top-scorer with 17 runs off 22 balls. The spin all-rounder Shreyanka Patil failed to shine with the bat but took four wickets to destroy the opponents' batting line-up.

Shreyanka, the highest wicket-taker for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023, finished the ACC tournament as the top wicket-taker with nine wickets. Mannat Kashyap (3 wickets) and Kanika Ahuja (2 wickets) were also instrumental in India's success.