At the start of this month, Bangladesh's U-19 men's cricket team triumphed over India to clinch the Asia Cup title. A similar opportunity beckoned for the U-19 women's team, but captain Sumaiya Akter and her squad fell short, losing to India by 41 runs in the final held today, thereby concluding their campaign as runners-up.
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first. India, batting first, managed to score 117 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Trisha anchored the innings with a steady 52 runs off 47 balls, while Mithila Vinod and Ayushi Shukla contributed vital runs to steady India's position.
Bangladesh's bowlers displayed commendable discipline, led by Farzana Yasmin, who scalped four wickets while conceding just 31 runs, effectively troubling the Indian batters. Nishita Akter Nishi and Habiba Islam also made crucial contributions with the ball, restricting India to a defendable total.
In response, Bangladesh struggled from the outset, losing wickets at regular intervals. Except for two players, none of the batters managed to reach double figures. Opener Fahmida Chhoya attempted to stabilise the innings amidst a procession of dismissals, scoring 18 runs before being dismissed as the third wicket with the team at 44.
Juairiya Ferdous tried to hold the innings together, contributing a valiant 22 runs. However, the collapse continued unabated from the other end. Once Juairiya departed as the fifth batter with the score at 64, Bangladesh's innings crumbled rapidly. The final five wickets fell for just 12 runs, leaving the team all out for 76 in 18 overs, handing India a 41-run victory.
The U-19 women’s Asia Cup final showcased the promise and potential of Bangladesh’s young cricketers, despite the heartbreak of finishing as runners-up.
