The Semi-Final 1 of the 9th edition of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC)-organized Women’s Asia Cup will feature a face-off between India and Bangladesh. The game is scheduled for 2:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 26th of July 2024, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla.
Squads:
India – Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetry (WK), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Tanuja Kanwar, Sajana Sajeevan
Bangladesh – Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorifa Khatun, Ritu Moni, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sultana Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Rabeya Khan, Rumana Ahmed, Marufa Akter, Sabikun Nahar Jesmin
Players to watch out:
Richa Ghosh
The 20-year-old keeper-batter, from 43 T20I innings, has amassed 830 runs at an average of 28.62 and a strike rate of 138.79. In the lead-up to the Asia Cup, Richa had a successful campaign against South Africa, consistently chipping in with runs. Carrying the momentum into the Asia Cup, she registered her highest T20I score of 64*(37) and 6* on this tour. Against Bangladesh earlier this year, she registered scores of 23, 8*, 24, and 28, and can be relied upon for another cameo.
Deepti Sharma
The 26-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, has accumulated 1020 runs from 75 innings, while from 112 bowling outings, she has struck 129 wickets, registering bests of 64 and 4/10. While Deepti managed only 3 wickets from as many T20Is against South Africa, she bettered her returns in this Asia Cup campaign with figures of 3/20, 2/23, and 3/13. On India’s tour of Bangladesh earlier this year, she struck 5 wickets from as many games and can be banked upon for all-round efforts.
Nigar Sultana Joty
The 26-year-old keeper-batter, from 92 T20I innings, has racked up 1912 runs at an average of 26.92, including a highest of 113*. The ever-reliable Nigar has registered scores of 48* (59) and 62* (37) in this campaign, following up from her scores of 63* and 32 against Australia, and 51 and 28 against India in the home season in April-May 2024. Given her form and experience, it is expected that she will continue in this form, leading the scoring for her team.
Sabikun Nahar Jesmin
The 27-year-old left-arm off-spinner made her international debut during Bangladesh’s ongoing Asia Cup campaign. Sabikun had an outstanding domestic season just ahead of the Asia Cup and has replicated the success in international cricket, producing bowling figures of 2/28 and 1/17. The team will count on her to continue this form into the business end, especially against India, and it will be watched to see if she can deliver another match-winning performance.
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Pitch:
The center strip at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is relatively balanced, with an average score in the 140s. While conditions are conducive for batting, the wicket also offers assistance to both pacers and spinners, as reflected in the healthy average score.
Weather:
The conditions in Dambulla are ideal for a complete game of cricket, with clear skies overhead. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 32°C, with moderate winds and humidity of 66%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Nigar Sultana Joty, Richa Ghosh, Smriti Mandhana, Murshida Khatun, Shafali Verma, Dayalan Hemalatha, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Nahida Akter, Renuka Thakur, Tanuja Kanwar
Match details:
Date – July 26, 2024
Time – 2:00 PM IST
Venue – Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar and telecasted on Star Sports Network.