Deepti, Shafali play starring roles as India storm into seventh Asia Cup final
Thailand's chase fizzles out early as spinners trigger collapse to lead India's third straight win
Thailand's chase fizzles out early as spinners trigger collapse to lead India's third straight win
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: Srinidhi
India have been the most successful team in the Women's Asia Cup with six titles. After losing the final to Bangladesh in the 2018 edition, Harmanpreet's side would be keen to clinch the trophy this time. In a few hours' time, we shall find out who the second finalist will be, with Pakistan facing off against Sri Lanka in an hour. The last time India played against Pakistan in the final was in 2016 while Sri Lanka have made it to the summit clash four out of seven times. So take a break and come back to follow the second semi-final.
That's it from us today. Hope you all enjoyed our coverage. On behalf of Ashish Pant and Ranjit P, I am signing off. Until next time, take care!
Shafali is the Player of the Match: "Now, I am a bit confident, I will keep working hard and I'm always happy to contribute for the team. The wicket is good to bat. Smriti did well, Jemi also did well. We have to work on partnerships. We hope the weather stays good for the final."
Harmanpreet: "We batted really well, Thailand also bowled well, didn't give away loose balls. Wwe were able to get good partnerships for a decent total. Coming back to the side [after missing out on a few matches], you need those runs, Shafali and Jemi looked good. We just need to continue that. Deepti is someone who is ready to bowl at any situation, and having that kind of bowler also helps a captain, the way she is bowling, it's great to watch."
"If you are able to get 150, that gives confidence, it was a total team performance. We are ready for final. Whoever comes, we just need to watch and plan accordingly."
12.02pm Chaiwai, the Thailand captain, says it was important to play against a high-profile team like India. "There were many positives. We play every game with fun and joy, we play every match to win. If we find joy in every game, that's more important for us," she adds.
11.54am A massive 74-run win from Harmanpreet Kaur & Co! After putting on 148 on board, Deepti's phenomenal figures of 3 for 7 from four overs rattled Thailand. Her spell also had 21 dot balls. While Gayakwad picked up two wickets, Rana, Shafali and Renuka accounted for a wicket each to restrict Thailand to 74 for 9. With the bat, Shafali made a brisk 42 and looked comfortable in her 28-ball knock. Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet and Pooja Vastrakar then dragged India to a decent 148 which proved more than enough at the end. Despite falling short, Thailand will have many takeaways from the tournament - reaching the semi-final for the first time, beating Pakistan in the league stage among others.
O Kamchomphu run out 2 (3m 4b 0x4 0x6) SR: 50.00
Thinks his side's semi-final finish at the Women's Asia Cup will help grow the game back home; happy with the spirit shown after early defeats
Thailand's chase fizzles out early as spinners trigger collapse to lead India's third straight win