Harmanpreet Kaur-led India faced Thailand Women in the first semi-final of the Women's Asia Cup 2022 edition, being held in Bangladesh, on Thursday (October 13). Being the favourites, India stormed past Thailand by 74 runs to book a place in the final.&nbsp;After entering the semi-final as the table-toppers in the group stage, with five wins and a solitary loss, India were asked to bat first. Shafali Verma's 28-ball 42 and vital contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (27), Harmanpreet's 36 (30) and Pooja Vastrakar's 13-ball 17 propelled the Women in Blue to a moderate 148-6, at Sylhet.&nbsp;

It was a chaseable score but the inexperienced Thailand batters only managed a paltry 74 for 9 in their full quota of overs. Thailand were never in the run-chase with skipper Naruemol Chaiwai and Nattaya Boochatham being the highest run-getters, scoring 21 apiece.&nbsp; From India's perspective, the likes of Deepti Sharma (3 for 7) and Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2 for 10) applied pressure from the word go by chipping in with key wickets and giving nothing away easily.&nbsp;

With this result, India storm into the tournament finale and now await the winner of the second semi-final, where Pakistan face Sri Lanka, to lock horns with them in the summit clash on Saturday (October 15).&nbsp; India have lost only to Pakistan in the tournament and will be eager to play them and settle scores in the marquee finale.

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At the post-match presentation, 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. Whoever makes it to the final, we'll make plans."

Shafali, who was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match, stated, "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."

Harmanpreet Kaur-led India faced Thailand Women in the first semi-final of the Women's Asia Cup 2022 edition, being held in Bangladesh, on Thursday (October 13).

Harmanpreet Kaur-led India faced Thailand Women in the first semi-final of the Women's Asia Cup 2022 edition, being held in Bangladesh, on Thursday (October 13). Being the favourites, India stormed past Thailand by 74 runs to book a place in the final. After entering the semi-final as the table-toppers in the group stage, with five wins and a solitary loss, India were asked to bat first. Shafali Verma's 28-ball 42 and vital contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (27), Harmanpreet's 36 (30) and Pooja Vastrakar's 13-ball 17 propelled the Women in Blue to a moderate 148-6, at Sylhet. It was a chaseable score but the inexperienced Thailand batters only managed a paltry 74 for 9 in their full quota of overs. Thailand were never in the run-chase with skipper Naruemol Chaiwai and Nattaya Boochatham being the highest run-getters, scoring 21 apiece. From India's perspective, the likes of Deepti Sharma (3 for 7) and Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2 for 10) applied pressure from the word go by chipping in with key wickets and giving nothing away easily. With this result, India storm into the tournament finale and now await the winner of the second semi-final, where Pakistan face Sri Lanka, to lock horns with them in the summit clash on Saturday (October 15). India have lost only to Pakistan in the tournament and will be eager to play them and settle scores in the marquee finale. ALSO READ | India are far ahead in skill level compared to Pakistan: PCB chief Ramiz Raja makes honest admission At the post-match presentation, 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. Whoever makes it to the final, we'll make plans." Shafali, who was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match, stated, "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."

Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma take India to Women's Asia Cup final with big win over Thailand

One of India's biggest-ever football stars, Bala Devi, who bagged her third AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year Award earlier this year, urged the football fans of India to show support for their nation at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022.

AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022: 'A stepping stone for young girls,' says India football star Bala Devi

Ahead of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022, India's star footballer Bala Devi opened up about her journey and urged the football fans in India to show support for their nation at the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 and the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022.&nbsp;

"I was overcome with joy when I learnt that in 2022 India will host both, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 as well as the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022. I was very happy because these tournaments will be a fantastic stepping stone for our young girls to progress," said Bala Devi, who bagged her third AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year Award earlier this year.&nbsp;

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"When you look at the support for our team that participated in the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, it is really unbelievable. They were so widely and strongly supported, which made me really happy. I would humbly request everyone to show similar support to the women who will be participating in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 in January next year, as well as to those who will play in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 in October next year," said the striker, who has netted 42 goals in her 11-year international career.&nbsp;

The football fever in India is fast approaching as today marks the three-month countdown for Asia's flagship tournament for women's football - AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022, set to commence on 20th January next year. The best 12 teams from the continent will battle it out for the top honours in the competition which will be played across Navi Mumbai, Mumbai and Pune till February 6, 2022.&nbsp;

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which unveiled 'Our Goal for All' as the official tagline of the prestigious tournament on the 100 days to go milestone date, have confirmed 10 teams for the competition and two more teams will be finalized this week. The qualified teams include reigning champions Japan, Australia, China PR, hosts India, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.&nbsp;

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Good food 🤝 candid conversation! 
 
Bala Devi talks about the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022, breaking stereotypes 🙌 and opens up about her life, a famous comeback and even does a little jig to her favourite song 🎶 
 
Full Video: <a href="https://t.co/x4lZOOUiLr">https://t.co/x4lZOOUiLr</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WAC2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WAC2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShePower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShePower</a>
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1450748679011274753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Bala Devi, who made history in December 2020 by becoming the first Indian woman to find the back of the net in a professional league in Europe, while playing for Rangers FC in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, further added that these two major tournaments are a wonderful step for Indian football. 
&nbsp; 
"These tournaments are a real source of motivation. Not solely for the players but also for fans and parents, who become aware of the magnitude of such major events. I would really like to thank the Federation (AIFF) for giving this platform for our women because it is a truly wonderful step. It feels great (to have the opportunity to participate in such major tournaments) but at the same we have a lot to prove - that we are equals and we want to make everyone feel proud every time we represent India," said the former India Captain.

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&nbsp; 
The Indian Women's Football Team has attained excellent form in the lead up to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, registering three victories in their last four friendly matches. India defeated UAE (4-1), Bahrain (5-0) and Chinese Taipei (1-0), while suffering a 0-1 loss to Tunisia. 
&nbsp; 
The Indian team also has an opportunity to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023 through the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 as the top five sides in the latter competition will earn a direct qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ahead of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022, India's star footballer Bala Devi opened up about her journey and urged the football fans in India to show support for their nation at the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 and the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022.

Ahead of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022, India's star footballer Bala Devi opened up about her journey and urged the football fans in India to show support for their nation at the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 and the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022. "I was overcome with joy when I learnt that in 2022 India will host both, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 as well as the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022. I was very happy because these tournaments will be a fantastic stepping stone for our young girls to progress," said Bala Devi, who bagged her third AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year Award earlier this year. IN PICS | How much Cristiano Ronaldo earns per week? Mind-boggling salary of Manchester United star and his net worth "When you look at the support for our team that participated in the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, it is really unbelievable. They were so widely and strongly supported, which made me really happy. I would humbly request everyone to show similar support to the women who will be participating in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 in January next year, as well as to those who will play in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 in October next year," said the striker, who has netted 42 goals in her 11-year international career. The football fever in India is fast approaching as today marks the three-month countdown for Asia's flagship tournament for women's football - AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022, set to commence on 20th January next year. The best 12 teams from the continent will battle it out for the top honours in the competition which will be played across Navi Mumbai, Mumbai and Pune till February 6, 2022. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which unveiled 'Our Goal for All' as the official tagline of the prestigious tournament on the 100 days to go milestone date, have confirmed 10 teams for the competition and two more teams will be finalized this week. The qualified teams include reigning champions Japan, Australia, China PR, hosts India, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Good food 🤝 candid conversation! Bala Devi talks about the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022, breaking stereotypes 🙌 and opens up about her life, a famous comeback and even does a little jig to her favourite song 🎶 Full Video: https://t.co/x4lZOOUiLr#WAC2022 #ShePower — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 20, 2021 × Bala Devi, who made history in December 2020 by becoming the first Indian woman to find the back of the net in a professional league in Europe, while playing for Rangers FC in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, further added that these two major tournaments are a wonderful step for Indian football. "These tournaments are a real source of motivation. Not solely for the players but also for fans and parents, who become aware of the magnitude of such major events. I would really like to thank the Federation (AIFF) for giving this platform for our women because it is a truly wonderful step. It feels great (to have the opportunity to participate in such major tournaments) but at the same we have a lot to prove - that we are equals and we want to make everyone feel proud every time we represent India," said the former India Captain. WATCH | Jurgen Klopp walks out of interview, snaps at journo over Diego Simeone's handshake snub questioning The Indian Women's Football Team has attained excellent form in the lead up to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, registering three victories in their last four friendly matches. India defeated UAE (4-1), Bahrain (5-0) and Chinese Taipei (1-0), while suffering a 0-1 loss to Tunisia. The Indian team also has an opportunity to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023 through the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 as the top five sides in the latter competition will earn a direct qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

'A stepping stone for young girls,' says India football star Bala Devi ahead of AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022