Pooja Vastrakar, an Indian bowler, delivered an outstanding spell on Sunday to help India advance to its first Asian Games final, defeating Bangladesh by eight wickets.
Right-arm seamer Vastrakar, who replaced Anjali Sarvani in the squad shortly before departing India, achieved career-best statistics of 4/17 in four overs as Bangladesh were bowled out for 51 in 17.5 overs, their lowest-ever T20 score against their neighbours.
Vastrakar and her youthful new-ball partner Titas Sadhu (1/10 in 4 overs) drained every drop of juice from the deck as they bowled rapidly, with the bounce on offer also assisting.
Only Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana (12) scored twice.The chase of 52 was a breeze, taking only 8.2 overs. Despite losing skipper Smriti Mandhana (7) and Shafali (17) cheaply, Kanika Ahuja (1 not out) and Jemimah Rodrigues (20 not out) led India to victory.
The women’s squad, who had to play the second straight game without their normal captain Harmanpreet Kaur due to a two-match suspension, enjoyed some delicious retaliation.
Harmanpreet was suspended as a result of her irate public outburst and criticism of the Bangladeshi umpiring during a recent away series against them.
