India continued their winning streak in the Women's Asia Cup T20 2024 as they defeated United Arab Emirates by 78 runs in the second match of the group stage. India were on a high already after the winning start of the competition against Pakistan but they received a shock blow when all-rounder Shreyanka Patil got ruled out of the competition with injury. Tanuj Kanwar replaced her in the playing XI and despite the unwanted change, India produced a memorable batting performance, reaching the mark of 200 in T20Is for the first time. They target of 202 set by India was too steep to climb for UAE and they collapsed on 123/7, handing India a 78-run victory. With this win, India have unofficially booked their place in the semifinal. India Women’s Cricket Team Scores 200+ Total for the First Time in T20Is, Achieve Feat During IND-W vs UAE-W Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024 Match.

UAE won the toss and opted to bowl first in a very good batting wicket. Unlike the first game, Smriti Mandhana couldn't give India a big start and Dayalan Hemalatha, who could not fire in the first game, failed to score big in the second match as well. Shafali Verma (37) was the one who continued her form and the innings was anchored by none other than captain Harmanpreet Kaur (66) who scored a gritty half-century. The spark of the innings came from Richa Ghosh, who completely dismantled the UAE bowling, scoring 64* runs in just 29 by smashing the ball to all parts of the ground. Her fiery finish helped India cross the mark of 200 for the first time and reach the mammoth score of 201/5. Richa also became the first wicketkeeper-batter to score a half-century in Women's Asia Cup history. Richa Ghosh Becomes First Wicketkeeper-Batter to Score Half-Century in Women's Asia Cup History, Achieves Feat During IND-W vs UAE-W Match.

With runs on board, India's start to their defence was strong led by Renuka Singh, who managed to scalp a new ball wicket this time by dismissing Theertha Satish. The biggest blow to UAE was provided by Deepti Sharma, who dismissed Samaira Dharnidharka, obliterating any chances of UAE to chase down the total. Esha Rohit Oza and Kavisha Egodage stitched a partnership in the middle, but it was more to help UAE get to a respectable total and save their net run rate rather than go for the win. UAE ended far ahead of the finishing line despite their effort. Deepti Sharma scalped two wickets while Radha Yadav, Tanuja Kanwar, Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar shared one wicket each.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2024 05:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).