Radha Yadav’s All-Round Brilliance Steers India A into Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars Final

Bangkok: Captain Radha Yadav produced a stunning all-round performance as India A defeated Sri Lanka A by five wickets in the first semi-final of the ACC Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 at the Terdthai Cricket Ground on Friday to book a place in the final.

Asked to bowl first, India A were led superbly by Radha, whose four-wicket haul dismantled Sri Lanka A for 118 in 19.4 overs. The chase was wrapped up comfortably in 13.3 overs, with Dinesh Vrinda smashing 42 off 20 balls and Radha remaining unbeaten on 31 to seal the win in style.

Sri Lanka A began positively after winning the toss, with openers Hansima Karunaratne and Sanjana Kavindi racing to 36 runs inside four overs. However, a flurry of wickets soon halted their momentum. Sanjana added 28 runs with Sathya Sandeepani before being dismissed for 31 in the 11th over, while Sandeepani followed two overs later.

The innings then unraveled quickly as India A tightened the screws. Radha led the attack with figures of 4 for 19, well supported by Prema Rawat and Tanuja Kanwer, who claimed two wickets apiece.

In reply, India A had a cautious start, reaching 26 for no loss after four overs before Nandini Kashyap was bowled for 13. Anushka Sharma counter-attacked at No. 3, striking five boundaries in quick succession to ease the pressure.

Vrinda, in sublime touch, was run out in the ninth over after her brisk 42, while Anushka fell for 27 in the next over. Despite the wickets, India A remained firmly in control, needing just 31 runs after 10 overs. Radha fittingly struck the winning boundary to finish the chase, guiding her team home with confidence.

India A will now contest the final at the same venue on Sunday against the winner of the Pakistan vs Bangladesh semi-final.

With inputs from IANS