The stage is set in Bangkok for what promises to be a gripping contest in the 1st Semi-Final of the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, as India A lock horns with Sri Lanka A on February 20. With a place in the final at stake, experience and temperament will matter just as much as form. For India A, three names stand out as potential gamechangers: Vrinda Dinesh, Minnu Mani, and Radha Yadav. Each brings a different dimension to the side, and their recent performances suggest they could shape the outcome of this high-pressure encounter.
Vrinda Dinesh
Vrinda Dinesh has quietly built momentum through the tournament and arrives at the semi-final with confidence flowing through her bat. In her most recent outings in Bangkok, she has showcased composure and finishing ability, scoring 39* against Nepal Women and 55* against Pakistan A Women. Even against the UAE Women on February 13, she chipped in with 16, indicating her consistency at the top or middle order. Her ability to stay calm in crunch situations reflects maturity beyond her years. Vrinda’s knack for pacing an innings, rotating strike, and accelerating when required makes her a vital cog in India A’s batting unit heading into this Women’s Asia Cup semi-final.
Minnu Mani
Minnu Mani, on the other hand, offers all-around stability and control with the ball. In the ongoing competition in Bangkok, she has delivered impactful spells. Her figures of 3/8 against Nepal Women underline her ability to dismantle line-ups, while she followed that up with 1/10 against Pakistan A Women and 0/16 against UAE Women. These performances highlight her economy and wicket-taking instinct in the shortest format. Additionally, in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), representing Delhi Capitals, she has claimed 15 wickets in 26 matches, maintaining an economy of 7.62. Though her batting returns in WPL, 28 runs in 9 innings, are modest, her primary value lies in her disciplined off-spin and ability to break partnerships in the middle overs.
Radha Yadav
Radha Yadav brings experience and flair to the India A setup. A seasoned campaigner in WT20Is, she has amassed 103 wickets in 89 matches at an average of 19.09, with the best of 4/23, statistics that underline her reliability as a strike bowler. Her economy rate of 6.61 in T20Is further highlights her effectiveness in containing opposition batters while attacking for wickets. In the WPL, across 29 matches for two teams, she has taken 16 wickets, with best figures of 4/20. Her batting in the WPL, 188 runs at a strike rate of 142.42, including the highest score of 66, showcases her ability to contribute valuable lower order runs. Radha’s fielding prowess, reflected in 33 catches in WT20Is, adds another layer to her impact.
As India A prepares for the semi-final clash against Sri Lanka A in Bangkok, the blend of Vrinda’s emerging batting confidence, Minnu’s disciplined spin, and Radha’s international pedigree creates a strong backbone. In knockout cricket, players who can absorb pressure and seize key moments often define the result. If these three deliver to their potential, India A will fancy their chances of advancing to the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 final.
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