Opener Shafali Verma starred with a 48-ball 81 and laid the platform for India’s 82-run win over Nepal in Dambulla on Tuesday to confirm their semi-final berth in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup.
The Smriti Mandhana-led Indian team, with regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur rested alongside frontline quick Pooja Vastrakar, posted 178/3 after winning the toss and opting to bat first. The target was an imposing one for Nepal as all they could manage was 96/9. India finished the group phase of the competition with victories in all their games.
Among India’s bowlers, off-spinner all-rounder Deepti Sharma (3/13) continued with her good form, finishing with the best figures. Pacer Arundhati Reddy, coming in place of Vastrakar, also struck twice, while left-arm spinner Radha Yadav took 2/12 in her three overs.
Pacer Renuka Singh took a wicket, conceding only 15 runs in her four overs.
Brief scores: India Women 178/3 in 20 ovs (Shafali Verma 81; Sita Rana Magar 2/25). Nepal Women 96/9 in 20 ovs (Deepti Sharma 3/13, Radha Yadav 2/12). India Women won by 82 runs.
