India A Women booked their place in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 after a convincing five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka A Women in the first semi-final.
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka A Women struggled to build momentum and were restricted to a modest 118 runs, thanks to a disciplined and clinical bowling performance from the Indian attack.
Openers Sanjana Kavindi (31) and Hansima Karunaratne (14) provided a steady start, but the innings failed to accelerate thereafter. Sathya Sandeepani contributed 15 runs, while Shashini Gimhani showed some resistance with 22. However, the middle and lower order collapsed under pressure, with the remaining batters falling for single-digit scores.
Leading from the front, India A captain Radha Yadav delivered a standout performance with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets to derail Sri Lanka’s innings. She was well supported by Prema Rawat and Tanuja Kanwar, who picked up two wickets each, ensuring Sri Lanka never found a way back into the contest.
Chasing 119, India A Women approached the run chase with confidence and intent. While Nandini Kashyap chipped in with 13 runs, it was Dinesh Vrinda who completely changed the complexion of the match. Her explosive 42 off just 20 deliveries, striking at a staggering strike rate of 210, provided the decisive breakthrough in the chase.
Anushka Sharma added a valuable 27 runs to steady the innings, while captain Radha Yadav once again made her presence felt, finishing unbeaten on 31* to guide India A safely home. For Sri Lanka A, Shashini Gimhani was the lone bright spot with the ball, picking up two wickets.
With this dominant all-round performance, India A Women march into the final, where they will face Bangladesh A Women, eyeing the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars title.
