Despite a spirited all-round effort from skipper Fahima Khatun, Bangladesh fell to a 46-run defeat against India in the Asia Cup Rising Stars final at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Thailand on Sunday.

Chasing their maiden title, Bangladesh produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict India to 134 for 7 after opting to field first. Fahima led from the front with figures of 4 for 25, striking twice in her opening spell to remove opener Dinesh Vrinda (19) and No.3 batter Anushka Sharma (8). Her early breakthroughs reduced India to 44 for 4 inside nine overs.

India recovered through a vital 69-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Tejal Hasabins and captain Radha Yadav. Fahima returned to dismiss Radha for 36, but Hasabins anchored the innings to the end with an unbeaten 51. Farjana Easmin and Fatema Jahan chipped in with a wicket each to support the captain’s effort.

In reply, Bangladesh’s batting faltered under pressure and they were bundled out for 88 in 19.1 overs. Opener Shamima Sultana top-scored with 20, while Sharmin Sultana made 18 and Fahima contributed 14. Only four batters reached double figures.

India’s bowling was spearheaded by Prema Rawat, who claimed 3 for 12 in her four overs. Sonia Mendhiya and Tanuja Kanwar provided crucial support with two wickets apiece to seal the title.

Bangladesh had enjoyed a strong run to the final, emerging as Group B champions after wins over Sri Lanka, hosts Thailand and Malaysia, before defeating Pakistan by 54 runs in the semifinal.