The ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 has delivered another thrilling chapter, as India A women’s cricket team powered their way into the final after a spirited five-wicket win over Sri Lanka A in the first semifinal at the Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok, on February 20, 2026. Under the blazing Bangkok sun, with temperatures soaring between 34°C and 36°C and humidity hovering around 45-50%, both teams took the field with high hopes and plenty to prove. For India A, it was a chance to underline their dominance in the tournament, while Sri Lanka A were eager to continue their comeback story after a strong group stage showing.
India A’s journey to the semifinal was anything but straightforward. After a surprising stumble in their opening match against the UAE, the team bounced back with characteristic grit. Their next fixture saw them dismantle arch-rivals Pakistan, chasing down the target with eight wickets in hand and a remarkable 59 balls to spare. That emphatic win set the tone for their group campaign. The momentum carried through as they dispatched Nepal by seven wickets, securing their top spot in the group and a coveted place in the semifinals. Sri Lanka A, meanwhile, mirrored India’s resilience. They, too, dropped their first match—falling to Bangladesh A—but responded with back-to-back victories over Malaysia and Thailand to book their semifinal ticket.
The semifinal showdown promised fireworks, and it certainly delivered. Sri Lanka A, opting to bat first, were quickly put on the back foot by a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Captain Radha Yadav led from the front, spinning a web around the Sri Lankan batters. Her figures—four wickets for just 19 runs—were a testament to her tactical nous and unyielding accuracy. Tanuja Kanwer and Prema Rawat ably supported their skipper, each chipping in with two wickets to keep the scoring in check. Sri Lanka A’s batters struggled to gain momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Eventually, they were bowled out for a modest 118, leaving India A with a chase that looked manageable on paper but was fraught with pressure given the stakes.
India’s reply got off to a flying start, thanks largely to the aggressive intent shown by opener Vrinda Dinesh. She blazed her way to a brisk 42 off just 20 balls, peppering the boundary and setting a solid foundation for the chase. Her innings injected early confidence into the Indian camp and put the Sri Lankan bowlers on the defensive. Yet, as is often the case in knockout cricket, the middle overs brought tension. Wickets tumbled, and the chase threatened to veer off course as Sri Lanka A’s bowlers fought back valiantly, exploiting any hint of uncertainty in the Indian lineup.
But cometh the hour, cometh the captain. Radha Yadav, already having starred with the ball, strode to the crease with steely determination. Her unbeaten 31 off 18 balls was a masterclass in composure and controlled aggression. She picked her moments, rotated the strike when needed, and punished anything loose. As the target drew near, Radha’s presence at the crease calmed nerves and ensured there would be no late drama. With a final flourish, she guided India A past the finish line, sealing a five-wicket victory and a well-deserved spot in the final. For her all-round heroics, Radha was fittingly named Player of the Match.
Reflecting on her performance, Radha Yadav was quick to credit her teammates for their support. According to tournament coverage, she remarked, “It was a team effort today. Everyone played their part, and I’m happy I could contribute in both departments.” Her leadership and ability to deliver under pressure have been hallmarks of India A’s campaign, inspiring confidence ahead of the final.
India A’s success in the semifinal was built on a blend of youthful exuberance and tactical discipline. The squad, featuring talents like Deeya Yadav, Anushka Sharma, Tejal Hasabnis, Mamatha Madiwala, Tanuja Kanwer, Prema Rawat, Minnu Mani, Saima Thakor, Jintimani Kalita, Sonia Mendhiya, Nandini Kashyap, Humairaa Kaazi, and Nandni Sharma, has shown remarkable depth. Vrinda Dinesh’s explosive batting at the top of the order has been a revelation, while bowlers like Kanwer and Rawat have consistently delivered breakthroughs at crucial junctures.
Sri Lanka A, for their part, can hold their heads high. Led by captain and wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani, their squad—featuring the likes of Sanjana Kavindi, Hansima Karunaratne, Sachini Nisansala, Ama Kanchana, Shayani Senaratne, Shashini Gimhani, Lihini Apsara, Malsha Shehani, Sathya Sandeepani, Yasanthi Nimanthika, Mithali Bandara, Vitini Chandima de Alwis, Chethana Vimukthi, Nethmi Senarathna, and Rashmi Silva—showed plenty of fight throughout the tournament. Their group stage wins over Malaysia and Thailand were marked by collective effort and flashes of individual brilliance, setting the stage for a competitive semifinal.
Fans following the action were treated to live coverage on the Sony Sports Network and streaming via the Sony Liv app, with the match starting bright and early at 8:00 AM IST. The hot and sunny conditions at the Terdthai Cricket Ground added another layer of challenge, testing the fitness and focus of both sides. Yet, despite the sweltering heat, the intensity on the field never wavered—a testament to the rising standards of women’s cricket in Asia.
As the dust settles on a gripping semifinal, all eyes now turn to the final, where India A will face Bangladesh A on February 22. Bangladesh A, having toppled Sri Lanka A in the group stage, have proven themselves as worthy adversaries. The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown, with both teams vying to etch their names in the history books of the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars.
With captain Radha Yadav in red-hot form and a squad brimming with confidence, India A enter the final as favorites—but as this tournament has shown, anything can happen on the day. The anticipation is palpable, and fans across the continent will be tuning in, hoping for another display of skill, spirit, and sporting drama. The Rising Stars final promises to be a fitting climax to a tournament that has already showcased the best of emerging women’s cricket talent in Asia.
For now, India A can savor their semifinal triumph and prepare for one last push. The journey has been filled with challenges, comebacks, and moments of brilliance—and with one match to go, the dream of lifting the trophy is tantalizingly close.