Indian team on Thursday (October 13) booked a place in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2022 with a thumping 74-run victory over Thailand in the first semi-final at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Asked to bat first, the Women in Blue posted 148/6 in their allotted 20 overs on the back of Shafali Verma’s 28-ball 42 and captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s 30-ball 36.

Defending the total, India restricted Thailand to 74/9 as Deepti Sharma (3-7), Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2-10), Renuka Singh (1-6), Shafali Verma (1-9), and Sneh Rana (1-16) ran through their batting line-up.

Speaking after the game, skipper Harmanpreet said: “We batted really well, Thailand bowled quite well, not giving us easy runs. We really had to work hard. That partnership (between her and Jemimah) helped us to get a score on the board. When you're not playing a lot, you need runs to get confidence.”

“She (Deepti) is someone who is willing to bowl at any stage. Having such a bowler always gives confidence. When you're getting around 150 on the board more often than not, it gives confidence,” she further stated at the post-match presentation ceremony.

India will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the summit clash on Saturday (October 15).

“Whoever makes it to the final, we'll make plans,” the Indian captain said.

For her all-round effort, Shafali Verma earned the Player-of-the-Match award in the semi-final.

“Lots of confidence (with the win). Wicket was good to bat, felt good. Smriti and Jemi also did well. We need to look at getting partnerships (regularly). Hope the weather stays good (for the final). I'm more confident about my game now, but will keep working. Always happy to contribute to the team,” Shafail said while speaking at the presentation ceremony.