India women thumped Thailand by nine wickets in Sylhet Monday to boost Bangladesh’s semi-final hopes in the Asia Cup Twenty20 2022.
With 10 points, India are already through to the semis alongside Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who both have eight points each, while Thailand are fourth with six points.
Reigning champions Bangladesh, in fifth with four points, can advance to the last four Tuesday morning if they beat United Arab Emirates as the hosts have a superior net run rate of 0.4, compared to Thailand’s -0.9.
The UAE (two points) and Malaysia (nought) are already eliminated.
Six-time winners India sent Thailand in and skittled the opposition out for only 37 in 15.1 overs; only opener Nannapat Koncharoenkai (12) reaching double digit.
Player of the match Sneh Rana snared three wickets giving away only nine runs in her quota of four overs, while Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Deepti Sharma picked up two each.
In reply unbeaten batters Sabbhineni Meghana (20) and Pooja Vastrakar (12) took India home in six overs; opener Shafali Verma (eight) the only batter to get dismissed.
Earlier in the day the hosts lost to Sri Lanka by three runs (Duckworth/Lewis method).
The Lankans will take on Pakistan Tuesday afternoon in the last game of the round robin campaign before Thursday’s semi-finals.
If Bangladesh beat UAE, they will play the first semi in the morning against the table topper.
The final will be held Saturday.