India A delivered a commanding performance to defeat Sri Lanka A by five wickets in the first semi-final of the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on Friday, February 20. Chasing a modest target of 119, India A reached 119-5 in just 13.3 overs, sealing a convincing victory and booking their place in the final.
After bowling out Sri Lanka A Women for 118 in 19.4 overs, India’s batters showcased intent and composure, wrapping up the contest with 39 balls to spare.
Radha Yadav’s four-wicket haul restricts Sri Lanka A to 118
Sri Lanka A, who opted to bat first after winning the toss, made a steady start during the powerplay, reaching 47 runs in the first six overs. Opener Sanjana Kavindi top-scored with 31 off 35 balls, striking five boundaries but struggling to accelerate.
Hansima Karunaratne injected early momentum with a brisk 14 off nine deliveries, including three boundaries, before falling to Tanuja Kanwer. However, Sri Lanka’s middle order failed to capitalize on the platform.
Captain and wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani managed only six runs, while Sathya Sandeepani contributed 15 off 15 balls. Shashini Gimhani briefly revived hopes with a quick 22 from 17 deliveries, including a six, but wickets fell at regular intervals.
The turning point came through India skipper Radha Yadav, who produced a match-winning spell of 4 for 19 in 3.4 overs. Her left-arm spin dismantled the lower order, claiming key wickets in the death overs. Prema Rawat was equally effective, returning impressive figures of 2 for 9 in four overs, including a maiden.
Tanuja Kanwer also chipped in with two wickets, while Minnu Mani and Saima Thakor claimed one apiece. Sri Lanka A collapsed from 100/5 to 118 all out, losing their final five wickets for just 18 runs.
The disciplined bowling effort ensured India faced a manageable chase on a balanced surface.
Explosive start sets the tone for India A’s run-chase
India A approached the chase with aggression from the outset, scoring 54 runs in the powerplay. Although Nandini Kashyap fell for 13 in the fifth over, the tempo never dipped.
Vrinda Dinesh played a scintillating knock of 42 off just 20 balls, hammering eight boundaries at a remarkable strike rate of 210. Her fearless strokeplay dismantled Sri Lanka’s bowling attack and shifted the momentum decisively in India’s favour.
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Anushka Sharma provided solid support with 27 from 18 deliveries, striking five boundaries. The pair added a crucial 47-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively taking the game away from Sri Lanka.
Despite losing a few quick wickets in the middle overs – including Sharma and Tejal Hasabnis – India remained comfortably ahead of the required rate.
Having already starred with the ball, Radha Yadav capped off a memorable performance with the bat. Promoted up the order, she scored an unbeaten 31 off 18 balls, striking seven boundaries and maintaining a strike rate above 170. Her composed innings ensured there were no late hiccups. Minnu Mani was run out late in the chase, but by then the result was beyond doubt. Mamatha Madiwala remained unbeaten as India A crossed the finish line in the 14th over.
India A charge into the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars final 2026 🏆#INDvSL #TeamIndia #asiacuprisingstars pic.twitter.com/bA9rT3N1SQ
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) February 20, 2026
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive Indian batters. Shashini Gimhani picked up two wickets but conceded 33 runs in her three overs. Yasanthi Nimanthika claimed one wicket, while the rest of the attack found it difficult to apply sustained pressure.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
