India A produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh A by 46 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 final in Bangkok, successfully defending their continental crown with authority.
India A reaffirmed its supremacy in emerging women’s cricket by lifting the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 trophy after a comprehensive win over Bangladesh A at the Terdthai Cricket Ground. The tournament, organised by the Asian Cricket Council, once again showcased the depth of talent across Asia, but it was India A who demonstrated composure, resilience and tactical superiority under pressure.
Opting to bat first in a high-stakes final, India A posted 134/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The total was shaped by a mature and unbeaten 51 off 34 deliveries from Tejal Hasabnis, who steadied the innings after a dramatic top-order collapse. In response, Bangladesh A struggled against disciplined Indian bowling and were bowled out for 88 in 19.1 overs, handing India A a convincing 46-run victory and consecutive titles in the competition.
Hasabnis Anchors Recovery After Early Collapse in High-Pressure Final
The final began with Bangladesh A’s bowlers extracting early assistance from the surface. Their disciplined line and length ensured that India A’s openers could not settle freely. Nandini Kashyap and Vrinda Dinesh adopted a cautious approach, aware of the importance of preserving wickets in a knockout clash.
Vrinda Dinesh briefly injected momentum into the innings with a fluent 19, striking four boundaries that displayed timing and intent. However, her dismissal in the sixth over triggered a chain reaction. Nandini Kashyap fell in the following over while attempting to rotate strike under mounting pressure. Minnu Mani was dismissed off the very first ball she faced, compounding India’s troubles.
When Anushka Sharma departed in the ninth over, India A were reeling at 44/4. Bangladesh A sensed an opportunity to dictate terms and restrict the defending champions to a modest total. The pressure of a final was evident, and India required composure and clarity in approach.
Tejal Hasabnis provided exactly that. Calm at the crease and selective in her shot-making, she began rebuilding the innings with calculated risk. She rotated the strike effectively, forced field adjustments and capitalised on scoring opportunities when the bowlers erred. Her strokeplay combined elegance with power, particularly through the off side.
Hasabnis reached her half-century in just 33 balls, an innings decorated with three boundaries and two towering sixes. More importantly, her knock carried responsibility and awareness of match context. She balanced caution with acceleration, ensuring India regained control of the narrative.
At the other end, captain Radha Yadav delivered a steady contribution of 36 off 30 deliveries. Her presence brought stability, and together the pair forged a vital 69-run partnership for the fifth wicket. This stand transformed India’s innings from vulnerability to competitiveness.
Their partnership not only rescued India from collapse but also pushed the total beyond 130, a psychologically significant mark in a final. Bangladesh A’s Fahima Khatun emerged as the most successful bowler with figures of 4/25, demonstrating control and variation, yet her efforts were ultimately overshadowed by India’s recovery.
Rawat Leads Disciplined Bowling Attack to Seal Dominant Triumph
Chasing 135 in a final demands composure and early momentum. Bangladesh A, however, struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Indian attack. Ishma Tanjim was dismissed in the third over, falling to sustained pressure and precise bowling.
Wicketkeeper-batter Shamima Sultana attempted to counterattack with a brisk 20 off 15 balls, striking boundaries that briefly lifted Bangladesh’s hopes. Her proactive intent momentarily disrupted India’s plans. Yet her dismissal at 37/2 in the seventh over proved decisive, halting the chase’s only phase of acceleration.
The middle overs belonged entirely to India A. Prema Rawat delivered a match-defining spell, finishing with exceptional figures of 3/12 in four overs. She maintained tight lines, varied her pace intelligently and struck at crucial intervals to dismantle Bangladesh’s middle order.
Sarmin Sultana and Sadia Akter attempted to rebuild, but scoring opportunities were limited. The required run rate climbed steadily, and pressure forced errors. Sonia Mendhiya and Tanuja Kanwar provided crucial support, claiming two wickets each and ensuring there was no path back for Bangladesh A.
India’s fielding complemented the bowling effort. Sharp stops in the infield, safe catching and energetic ground coverage reflected preparation and intent. Bangladesh A were eventually bowled out for 88 in 19.1 overs, sealing India’s emphatic 46-run triumph.
The Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars competition, first introduced in 2023 as the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, has evolved into a vital platform for nurturing future international stars. India had won the inaugural edition as well, defeating Bangladesh A in the final in Hong Kong China.
With consecutive titles, India A demonstrated depth in bench strength and a clear developmental pathway for women’s cricket. Performances such as Hasabnis’s match-winning fifty and Rawat’s decisive spell underline the promise within the emerging ranks. The triumph in Bangkok reinforces India’s stature in Asian women’s cricket and strengthens the pipeline toward senior international success.
