Aayushi Shukla Shines with Four-Wicket Haul as India Enters U19 Women’s Asia Cup Final
A brilliant four-wicket haul by left-arm spinner Aayushi Shukla propelled India into the final of the U19 Women’s Asia Cup, as they defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval on Friday.
Shukla, who had previously taken three wickets in India’s Super Four victory over Bangladesh, was the standout performer with figures of 4-10, helping restrict Sri Lanka to just 98/9 in their 20 overs. Her efforts were well supported by fellow left-arm spinner Parunika Sisodia, who claimed two wickets. Shabnam Shakil and Drithi Kesari also contributed with one wicket each. Apart from Manudi Nanayakkara’s resilient 33, no Sri Lankan batter managed to reach 25.
In reply, India lost early wickets, with Ishwari Avasare and Sanika Chalke falling cheaply. However, G Trisha, a member of India’s victorious 2023 Women’s U19 T20 World Cup team, steadied the ship with a solid 32 off 24 balls. She shared a 63-run partnership with G Kamalini, who contributed 28 off 26 balls.
Despite a brief Sri Lankan resurgence, with Chamudi Munasinghe and Shashini Gimhani taking wickets, India’s chase was anchored by captain Mithila Vinod. Calm under pressure, Vinod struck four boundaries, including the winning runs, to finish unbeaten on 17 off 12 balls, leading India to victory in 14.5 overs.
Aayushi Shukla’s exceptional performance earned her the Player of the Match award. India now awaits the winner of the Bangladesh-Nepal Super Four clash for a showdown in the final of the inaugural U19 Women’s Asia Cup on Sunday.
Brief Scores:
- Sri Lanka: 98/9 (Manudi Nanayakkara 33; Aayushi Shukla 4-10)
- India: 102/6 (G Trisha 32, G Kamalini 28; Chamudi Munasinghe 3-16, Shashini Gimhani 2-18)
India won by four wickets.
