The Emerging Women’s Asia Cup 2023 began with a double header on June 12 in Hong Kong. The opening clash took place between Sri Lanka A and United Arab Emirates (UAE) where the Lankans registered a crucial 3-wicket win in a low-scoring thriller.
The first match of Group B saw UAE winning the toss and opting to bat first. However, their decision went horribly wrong as the team got bundled out for a mere 95. Esha Rohit Oza top scored for UAW with 39 off 30 deliveries while 8 batters scored in single digits, including three ducks.
Madushika Methtananda was the pick of the bowler for the Islanders, bagging a four-wicket haul for just 16 runs in 3.3 overs. Similarly, Malsha Shehani (2/13) and Nimesha Madushani (2/17) picked up two scalps each.
In response, Sri Lanka also struggled to chase the paltry target. The contest went down to the wire where the Lankans managed to grab a victory with just one ball left and three wickets in hand. Opener Vishmi Gunaratne with 21 off 32 was their top scorer.
Rohit Oza, who shined with the bat for UAE, returned with impressive figures in the bowling as well taking two wickets while conceding just 10 runs in 4 overs. Similarly, Indhuja Nandakumar (2/11) also bowled well but Sri Lanka managed to win the contest.
Sri Lanka-A win a thriller against UAE in the opening fixture! Madushika’s 4-fer restricted UAE to 95. In reply, Gunaratne scored a handy 22 to take the Lankans home. #WomensEmergingTeamsAsiaCup #ACC pic.twitter.com/Crguqr86CQ
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) June 12, 2023
In the second fixture, Bangladesh dominated Malaysia after electing to bat first. Following the top-order’s failure, Murshida Khatun smashed a sensational half-century to take Bangladesh to a respectable total. Khatun scored an unbeaten 57 from 44 deliveries, including 7 boundaries.
In reply, Malaysia were restricted at mere 51/8 in 20 overs as Bangladesh registered a clinical 97 run victory. Rabeya Khan was the pick of the bowler for Bangladesh, taking two wickets while conceding only 7 runs in 3 overs.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
