India A Women vs Bangladesh A Women – Match Preview (2026 Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars Final)

Date: 22 February 2026
Time: 07:00 GMT
Venue: Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok, Thailand
Format: T20
Stage: Final

Match Overview

The 2026 ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the most improved teams in the tournament: India A Women and Bangladesh A Women. Both teams have showcased their depth, talent, and tactical acumen to reach the summit clash, and their meeting at the Terdthai Cricket Ground will be a fitting culmination of this emerging stars' tournament.

India A, the defending champions, have been in scintillating form, topping Group A with 4 points and a healthy net run rate of +3.042. Their balanced squad, led by the evergreen Radha Yadav, has been a force to reckon with, combining aggressive batting with clinical bowling. Bangladesh A, on the other hand, have been a revelation in Group B, finishing second with 4 points and a +0.148 NRR. Their gritty performances and resilient batting have given them a platform to challenge the best in the final.

Team Form & Key Players

India A Women

Captain: Radha Yadav
Key Players:

• Radha Yadav: The captain has been in sublime form, scoring 440 points in fantasy leagues with a strike rate of 9. Her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed is vital for India A's success.
• Vrinda Dinesh and Anushka Sharma: These two openers have provided a solid start to India’s innings, often setting the tone for the middle order.
• Deeya Yadav: A versatile all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball. Her medium-pace bowling has been effective in breaking partnerships.
• Minnu Mani: A consistent performer with a strike rate of 8.5, she is a key all-rounder for India A and could be the difference-maker in the final.

Strengths:

• Balanced squad with a strong top and middle order.
• Clinical bowling attack with pace and spin options.
• Experience in high-pressure situations, having won the 2025 edition.

Weaknesses:

• Reliance on a few key players could be exploited if they face early pressure.

Bangladesh A Women

Captain: Fahima Khatun
Key Players:

• Fahima Khatun: The captain has been the standout performer for Bangladesh A, scoring 169 points in fantasy leagues. Her leadership and aggressive batting have inspired the team.
• Shanjida Akter Meghla: A potent bowler with a strike rate of 131 in fantasy leagues. Her ability to take wickets at crucial junctures can derail India A’s chase.
• Sadia Akter: A dynamic middle-order batter with a flair for big shots. She can turn the game in Bangladesh’s favor with a quickfire knock.
• Ishma Tanjim: A left-arm spinner who has been instrumental in tight situations. Her variations and control could trouble India’s middle order.

Strengths:

• Resilient batting line-up capable of chasing down challenging totals.
• Strong spin department, ideal for the slower tracks in Bangkok.
• Tactical adaptability and composure under pressure.

Weaknesses:

• Lack of consistent high-scoring batters could be a problem if they lose early wickets.
• Bowling depth needs to be tested against a high-quality batting unit like India A.

Venue & Conditions

Terdthai Cricket Ground, Bangkok is a neutral and well-maintained venue, offering a balanced pitch. The surface is known to assist both batters and bowlers in the early and middle overs, with the last few overs favoring spin. With the weather expected to be warm and dry, teams batting second could have a slight edge, especially if the spinners can exploit the turning surface in the death overs.

Head-to-Head

While this will be the first-ever official T20 clash between India A and Bangladesh A in a competitive tournament, both teams have faced each other in unofficial fixtures. India A has the slight edge in these matches, but Bangladesh A has shown significant improvement in the 2026 edition, making this a potential close contest.

Match Prediction

This final is a clash of titans in the rising stars category, with both teams having unique strengths to offer. India A’s depth and experience give them a slight edge, but Bangladesh A’s aggressive batting and spin-heavy attack could pose a serious threat.

India A Women are slight favorites to defend their title, but Bangladesh A Women are not to be underestimated. If Bangladesh A can contain the Indian openers and strike early in the middle, they can make it a memorable win. However, India A’s balanced approach and match-winning depth could prove decisive.

Fantasy Cricket Picks

Captain (C): Radha Yadav (India A) – Consistent and high-scoring
Vice-Captain (VC): Fahima Khatun (Bangladesh A) – Key batter and leader
Must-Picks:

• Titas Sadhu (India A) – Reliable bowler
• Shanjida Akter Meghla (Bangladesh A) – Wicket-taking machine
• Minnu Mani (India A) – All-rounder with impact potential
• Sadia Akter (Bangladesh A) – Explosive middle-order batter

Final Verdict

The 2026 Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars Final promises to be a high-octane, tactical battle between two emerging powerhouses. While India A Women have the experience and balance to win, Bangladesh A Women have the flair and determination to spring a surprise. Cricket fans around the world can look forward to a gripping finale on 22 February 2026 at 07:00 GMT.

Prediction: India A Women 135/6 vs Bangladesh A Women 133/8
Winner: India A Women
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