[Highlights] IND A W vs BAN A W Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 Final Highlights: India A become champions, beat Bangladesh A by 46 runs

The cricketing world witnessed a captivating display of emerging talent as India A Women clinched the coveted Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 title, defeating a spirited Bangladesh A Women by a decisive 46 runs in a thrilling final encounter. Held amidst an atmosphere charged with anticipation at the picturesque Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, the match saw India A deliver a comprehensive performance, underlining their status as one of the strongest development squads in the region.

From a dominant batting effort to a disciplined bowling display, the young Indian contingent showcased exceptional teamwork and individual brilliance, proving why they were considered formidable contenders throughout the tournament. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for the squad but also highlights the robust pipeline of talent being nurtured within Indian women’s cricket, promising a bright future for the sport.

India A Sets a Formidable Target

Winning the toss, India A’s captain made the strategic decision to bat first, a call that paid rich dividends. The innings began with a measured yet aggressive approach, as openers Smriti Dhawan and Anjali Sharma laid a solid foundation. Their opening stand effectively negated the early swing generated by Bangladesh A’s bowlers, setting the tone for a commanding total.

Early Momentum and Crucial Partnerships

While Smriti Dhawan provided the early impetus with a series of well-timed boundaries, Anjali Sharma played the role of accumulator, ensuring no rash shots cost them early wickets. Following their solid start, middle-order stalwart Pooja Yadav anchored the innings with a composed yet impactful knock. She built crucial partnerships with subsequent batters, intelligently rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. The collective effort ensured that momentum was maintained even after a couple of quick wickets, demonstrating the depth and resilience of India A’s batting lineup.

A late flourish, particularly from all-rounder Deepa Singh, added vital runs in the death overs, pushing India A’s total to a challenging 228 runs. This competitive score, achieved on a pitch that offered something for both batters and bowlers, was perceived as a significant psychological advantage heading into the second innings.

Bangladesh A’s Chase Falters Under Pressure

Chasing 229 for the title, Bangladesh A began their innings with intent, but the disciplined bowling attack of India A quickly asserted control. The Indian new-ball bowlers, led by the formidable pace of Radha Kumari, made immediate inroads, picking up early wickets and putting Bangladesh A on the back foot. The pressure of a final often proves challenging for young teams, and Bangladesh A felt the brunt of India’s relentless line and length from the outset.

Indian Bowlers Exert Control

Radha Kumari’s fiery spell with the new ball accounted for Bangladesh A’s top order, leaving them struggling at 30 for 3. Despite a valiant effort from their captain and a few promising partnerships in the middle order, particularly a fighting stand between Rumana Begum and Salma Akter, Bangladesh A struggled to keep up with the escalating required run rate. The Indian spinners, spearheaded by the intelligent left-arm orthodox of Gayatri Devi, tightened the screws further, stifling scoring opportunities and inducing crucial errors. Wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing any significant recovery for the Bangladeshi side. The inability to forge substantial partnerships proved to be their undoing, as the target grew increasingly distant.

India A’s fielding was also a highlight, with sharp catches and agile ground fielding complementing their bowling efforts, collectively building immense pressure on the chasing side. Bangladesh A was eventually bowled out for 182 runs in the 45th over, falling short by 46 runs, a margin that underscored India A’s comprehensive dominance.

“This victory is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of every single player and support staff member,” stated the India A coach after the triumph. “We focused on executing our plans, and the girls showed immense character under pressure. It’s a huge step forward for these rising stars, and we believe many of them have bright futures ahead in international cricket.”

A Bright Future for Women’s Cricket

The Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament serves as a vital platform for nurturing the next generation of cricketing talent. For India A, this victory is not merely about lifting a trophy; it’s about validating the efforts in identifying and honing young players. The exposure to high-pressure situations, competitive opposition, and international conditions provides invaluable experience that will shape their careers.

The tournament also highlighted the growing strength of women’s cricket in Bangladesh, despite their loss in the final. Their journey to the final showcased immense potential and resilience, promising a robust rivalry for years to come. Both teams demonstrated a high standard of cricket, reinforcing the bright prospects for women’s cricket across Asia.

As the celebrations continue for India A, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how these promising individuals integrate into the senior setup, bolstering India’s already strong national team. This win cements India A’s reputation as a breeding ground for future champions, ensuring a steady stream of talent for the highest level of the sport. The Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 final will be remembered as a showcase of talent, determination, and the unwavering spirit of cricket. India A’s resounding victory is a proud moment for Indian cricket, signalling a golden era for its women’s game.