In an impressive display of all-around cricket, India A Women’s team booked their place in the final of the Women’s Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 thanks to a standout performance by captain Radha Yadav.
Her contribution with both ball and bat proved decisive as India A overcame Sri Lanka A by five wickets in the semi-final clash at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok on February 20, 2026.
The Rising Stars Asia Cup is a premier regional T20 competition aimed at showcasing emerging women cricketers from across Asia.
Featuring squads from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other nations, it has quickly become a crucial proving ground for future international stars.
Dominant Bowling Display Restricts Sri Lanka A
Sri Lanka A won the toss and elected to bat, but their decision did not yield the expected advantage.
Led superbly by Radha Yadav, the India A bowling attack kept constant pressure on the Lankan batters.
Radha claimed four important wickets, finishing with excellent figures of 4/19, dismantling the middle and lower order.
Supporting her well were left-arm spinner Tanuja Kanwar and leg-spinner Prema Rawat, who picked up 2/20 and 2/9 respectively.
The spin trio worked in tight tandem to choke scoring and force regular dismissals, reducing Sri Lanka A to a modest 118 all-out in 19.4 overs.
Although Sri Lanka’s openers, Hansima Karunaratne and Sanjana Kavindi, showed early intent with a brisk start, they couldn’t build on it.
After reaching 71/2 in the 10th over, the remaining batters struggled to sustain partnerships under India’s disciplined bowling attack.
Chase Led by Radha and Vrinda
Chasing a target of 119, the India A side got off to a slightly rocky start, losing three quick wickets and finding themselves 21/3 early in the innings.
However, Captain Radha Yadav took charge of the situation with a calm and aggressive batting effort.
Radha remained unbeaten on 31 runs off just 18 balls, striking seven fours as she anchored the innings down the order.
Alongside her, batter Vrinda Dinesh played a crucial supporting role, scoring 42 runs in a confident cameo that steadied India’s run chase.
Their partnership helped India A reach 119/5 in just 13.3 overs, securing the win with more than half the allotted overs remaining.
This strong finish underscored India’s depth and intent in the batting lineup, especially in pressure situations.
Radha Yadav: Player of the Match
For her stellar all-round effort four crucial wickets and a match-winning innings, Radha Yadav was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Her performance not only propelled India A into the final but also highlighted her leadership capability and experience on big stages.
This victory continues India A’s strong campaign in the Rising Stars Asia Cup, building on earlier wins including an eight-wicket triumph over Pakistan A and a confident seven-wicket chase against Nepal A.
Together, these performances reflect the growing talent pool in Indian women’s cricket and indicate promising prospects for the future.
Looking Ahead to the Final
With this win, India A will face the winner of the Bangladesh A vs Pakistan A semi-final in the Women’s Rising Stars Asia Cup final, set to take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
This match gives India A an opportunity to claim the title and crown a campaign marked by discipline, skill, and smart leadership.
Fans and followers of women’s cricket across Asia will be watching closely as young talents vie for top honors and build momentum ahead of future international assignments.