New Delhi: It was a comprehensive effort by the Indian bowlers on Monday, as Smriti Mandhana pulled off a fairly easy win by 9 wickets against Thailand at the Sylhet International Stadium. Thailand, who were coming off after 3 consecutive victories in the tournament faltered against a superior Indian side.Also Read – IND W vs THAI W T20 Highlights, Women's Asia Cup 2022 : India Won By 9 Wickets
The emphatic win was India’s fifth victory in six games, with the only defeat coming in a low-scoring match against arch-rivals Pakistan. Also Read – IN-W vs TL-W LIVE Streaming: When and Where To Watch India Women vs Thailand Women Asia Cup 2022 Online And On TV
India have 10 points from six games and are expected to be joined by Pakistan, Sri Lanka and one among Thailand and Bangladesh in the semifinals. Also Read – IN-W vs TL-W Dream11 Team Prediction, Fantasy Hints Women's Asia Cup 2022 Match 19: Captain, Vice-Captain – India Women vs Thailand Women, Playing 11s For Today’s Match at Sylhet International Stadium At 1 PM IST October 10, Monday
Bangladesh have a match left and they need to just win it to enjoy a better net run-rate (+0.423 after 5 games) over Thailand (-0.949 in 6 games).
When stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana won the toss, she had no hesitation to put Thailand onto bat and from thereon, it became an ordeal for the inexperienced Thai women.
The gulf in class was so huge that before getting out in the 16th over, Thailand could manage only 37 runs. The only batter to reach double figures was Nannapat Koncharoenkai (12) as the second highest score was 7 by Nattaya Boochatham.
In fact, Nannapat and Natthakan Chantham’s (6) 13-run opening stand was their highest as wickets tumbled like nine pins once India were able to drew the first blood.
Predictably, off-break bowlers Deepti Sharma (2/10) and Sneh Rana (3/9) choked the run-flow and was duly backed by left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/8).
Meghna Singh also chipped in with a wicket while the only one to go wicketless was Pooja Vastrakar.
Vastrakar (12 not out) was, however, was sent up the order at No. 3 to get some batting time under her belt as she along with opener S Meghana (20 not out) knocked off the runs in just six overs.
“A big shout out to all girls for making my 100th T20 International special,” stand-in skipper Mandhana said after the match.
“I wouldn’t say weaker opposition and Thailand played good cricket but our bowlers really didn’t give them any chance,” Mandhana was all praise for her bowling unit.
Player of the match Sneh Rana said: “A win like this lifts confidence and we would definitely do well in the semifinal.”
Inputs from PTI