Pooja Vastrakar stole the show with her brilliant bowling display, propelling the Indian women’s cricket team to their first-ever Asian Games final. In the semi-final match against Bangladesh, Vastrakar, a late addition to the squad, delivered a career-best performance, taking 4 wickets for just 17 runs. Her exceptional bowling helped dismiss Bangladesh for a meager total of 51 runs in 17.5 overs, which is their lowest T20 score against India. Vastrakar’s new-ball partner, Titas Sadhu, also contributed with a fine bowling spell and together they exploited the pitch conditions to the fullest. Bangladesh struggled to cope with the bounce and only their captain, Nigar Sultana, managed to reach double figures. Chasing a target of 52 runs, India cruised to victory in just 8.2 overs with Jemimah Rodrigues remaining unbeaten on 20. This win was particularly significant for the Indian women’s team as they had to play without their regular captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, who was serving a two-match suspension. Harmanpreet had faced disciplinary action following her public criticism of the quality of umpiring during a previous series against Bangladesh. With their dominant performance in the semi-final, the Indian women’s team made a resounding statement and secured their place in the Asian Games final. Vastrakar’s immediate impact in the match was evident when she took a wicket off the very first delivery, followed by another wicket in the same over. Her early breakthroughs put Bangladesh in disarray and she continued to trouble the batters with her well-pitched deliveries. Titas Sadhu, known for her contributions in India’s U19 World Cup victories, bowled with pace and bounce, adding to the pressure on the Bangladeshi team. The partnership between Titas and Vastrakar yielded 18 dot balls each, which further tightened India’s grip on the game. The spinners, Deepti Sharma, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Devika Vaidya, also played pivotal roles in India’s victory. The pitch offered significant turn, making it difficult for the Bangladeshi batters, and a couple of run-outs added to their misery. With this comprehensive win, India advanced to the Asian Games final, underlining their dominance in women’s cricket. The Indian women’s team has established itself as a force to reckon with, even in the absence of their regular captain, and will be eyeing the Asian Games title.