Women’s Asia Cup Semifinals
Thailand has officially secured its spot in the Women’s Asia Cup semifinals. This happens after the postponement of Bangladesh’s final league match against the UAE on Tuesday morning. The defending champions and hosts, Bangladesh, required two points to finish fourth and claim the final position in the semifinals. But they only received one point from the abandoned match, placing them in fifth place.
Thailand’s Journey to Semis
Thailand finished with six points whereas Bangladesh only won two of their six games. They defeated the UAE, Malaysia, and most notably Pakistan by four wickets. Thailand lost to Bangladesh to start the competition. The team lost to India recently on 10 October. Despite these setbacks, they have managed to pull out three victories, including a spectacular one over Pakistan.
Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Natthakan Chatham, and captain Naruemol Chaiwai, who often make up the top three in Thailand’s batting order, have been key players in their team’s success at the Asia Cup. Thipatcha Putthawong, a left-arm spinner, ranks among the top five wicket-takers with eight victims.
Upset for Bangladesh
Up until 48 hours ago, Bangladesh appeared to be in a position to defend their Asia Cup championship by playing in the semifinals. They needed two points from their final two games, but they fell to Sri Lanka in a game that was cut short by rain while attempting to chase down 41 runs in seven overs.
Bangladesh was 27 for 2 with two overs remaining in the chase, requiring 14 to win off 12 balls, but they lost four wickets in the penultimate over delivered by Inoka Ranaweera and ultimately lost by four runs. Bangladesh had a chance to win two points on Tuesday against UAE, but the weather ended up ruining their chances.
India at Top
India defeated Bangladesh resoundingly in their fourth group-stage encounter on Saturday. October 8 at Sylhet. The team secured a spot in the Women’s Asia Cup 2022 semi-final. Women in Blue beat Bangladesh by 59 runs. This was an avenge their loss to Bangladesh in the 2018 Asia Cup final. Thanks to Shafali Verma‘s all-around performance.
India defeated Bangladesh in all three departments on Saturday, following up on their shocking loss to Pakistan on Friday. India was the first team to secure a spot in the semi-final. And Harmanpreet Kaurs’ team will be fired up to ensure that their campaign in Bangladesh doesn’t suffer any more setbacks. It hasn’t yet been decided how the top four will be arranged. Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan have advanced to the semifinals. And a decisive victory in either team’s last league match might force India out of the first position.
