Kuala Lumpur, Dec 22 (NationPress) G Trisha showcased her prowess by scoring an impressive 52 runs as the spinners collectively claimed seven wickets, propelling India to a 41-run victory against Bangladesh, and thereby becoming the first-ever champions of the inaugural U19 Women’s Asia Cup at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval on Sunday.
Trisha, a key player in the Indian team that won the inaugural U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2023, struck five fours and two sixes in her 47-ball innings on a challenging pitch, helping the team post a total of 117/7.
In response, left-arm spinner Aayushi Shukla took 3 wickets for 17 runs, becoming the top wicket-taker of the tournament. Her fellow left-arm spinners, Parunika Sisodia and Sonam Yadav, each contributed to stifle the run flow of Bangladesh, dismissing them for 76 runs in just 18.3 overs.
After being asked to bat first, Trisha emerged as a pivotal player for India following the early dismissals of G Kamalini and Sanika Chalke. She maintained a blend of elegant stroke play and solid rebuilding, forming a 41-run partnership with captain Niki Prasad (12 runs).
Once the pivotal duo fell, a composed Mithila Vinod contributed a quick 17 runs, helping India surpass the 110-run mark, while Bangladesh’s Farjana Easmin recorded impressive bowling figures of 4 wickets for 30 runs. In their bowling effort, Joshitha VJ and Sonam Yadav made early inroads, reducing Bangladesh to two wickets down during the power play.
Despite efforts from Fahomida Choya and Juairiya Ferdous, who scored 18 and 22 runs respectively, the Indian spinners effectively stifled the scoring rate, leading to Bangladesh succumbing to pressure and losing their wickets.
From a precarious position of 64/5 in 14.2 overs, Bangladesh ultimately collapsed to 76 all out, granting India a decisive win. Trisha was deservedly named Player of the Final and also secured the Player of the Tournament award, as India celebrated their triumph in this all-Asian event, building momentum ahead of their title defense in the upcoming U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, starting next month in Malaysia.
Brief Scores: India 117/7 (G Trisha 52; Farjana Easmin 4-30) beat Bangladesh 76 in 18.3 overs (Juairiya Ferdous 22; Aayushi Shukla 3-17) by 41 runs
