India A Defeat Bangladesh A to Defend Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars Title

India A clinched back-to-back ACC Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars titles with a commanding 46-run win over Bangladesh A in the final at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on Sunday.

Led by Radha Yadav, the young Indian side posted 134/7 before bundling Bangladesh A out for 88 in 19.1 overs to seal the championship.

After early setbacks, India A recovered through a crucial 69-run partnership between captain Radha Yadav and Tejal Hasabnis. Radha contributed 36 off 30 balls, steadying the innings, while Hasabnis anchored the latter half with a composed unbeaten 51 off 34 deliveries, striking three fours and two sixes.

Bangladesh A skipper Fahima Khatun kept her side in contention with a four-wicket haul, but India managed to reach a competitive total of 134/7.

Spin Trio Seals the Final

Defending 135, India's spin attack took control from the outset. Bangladesh A struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals.

Prema Rawat led the charge with figures of 3/12, while Sonia Mendhiya (2/21) and Tanuja Kanwar (2/11) chipped in with two wickets each. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 88, with only Shamima Sultana crossing the 20-run mark.

The disciplined bowling effort ensured Bangladesh never mounted a serious chase.

Back-to-Back Titles for India A

The victory marks India A's second consecutive Rising Stars title, underlining the depth in the country's women's cricket pipeline. Many members of the squad are in their early 20s, and their performances in Bangkok reinforce India's bench strength ahead of future global tournaments, including the senior Women's T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh A, who also finished runners-up in the 2023 edition, once again fell short in the final, but their campaign highlighted growing competitiveness in the region.

For India A, however, it was a complete performance - recovery with the bat, control with the ball, and composure in a high-stakes final - to lift the trophy once more.