14:0! India Women’s Under-17s crush Iraq for biggest Asian Cup Qualifier win yet; Anushka hits a high five

Team India (Image Credit: AIFF) NEW DELHI: Indian Women’s Under-17 teams got off to a flying start to their AFC Women’s Under-17 Asian Cup qualification campaign as they recorded their biggest ever win by demolishing Iraq 14-0 at the MP Selayang Stadium in Selayang, Malaysia on Monday.The Young Tigresses surpassed their previous record 12-0 wins against the UAE in 2014 and Sri Lanka in 2018 with a ruthless attacking display that left Iraq struggling for much of the match.Anushka Kumari led the way with five goals and was named Player of the Match, while captain and centre-back Abhista Basnett scored twice. Silky Devi Sorokhaibam, Thandamoni Baskey, Nira Chanu Longjam, Pritika Barman, Joya and Alva Devi Senjam were also on the scoresheet.

Indian riots before weather breaks

India dominated from the opening whistle, combining constant running, tight marking and crisp one-touch passing to deny Iraq time and space.Joakim Alexandersson’s midfield controlled play with neat distribution and compact positioning, while Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Thandamoni, Silky and Alva repeatedly used the width to stretch the Iraqi defence.The pressure soon showed as India raced into a commanding lead. Anushka struck twice before Silky scored twice for her first international goals. Thandamoni and Nira added one each as India went into the break with a remarkable 7-0 lead.Anushka completed her fourth goal just two minutes after the restart, sweeping home Alva’s cross. Substitute Pritika then made it 9-0 by converting the rebound after substitute goalkeeper Asmaa Shivan Ahmed had initially denied India.The floodgates remained open although the Iraqi keeper produced some good saves to prevent the gap from widening further.Then came an unexpected interruption.The game was abandoned after 64 minutes due to inclement weather when lightning and thunder drove the players off the pitch. The match resumed after a 30-minute break.

The young tigresses break the record after the restart

India’s weather has slowed down little.Abhista rose highest to head Ritu Badaik’s corner from the right before Anushka added her fifth, slotting the ball into the net from close range.Joya then found an empty net after Pritika rounded the keeper and headed the ball across the box to put India 12-0 up and equal the previous record win.Abhista headed Ritu in the next corner to make it 13-0 and set a new benchmark for India in this age group.The record was further extended in added time. Yashica Haribabu’s free-kick came back off the post before Abhista fell inside the box, allowing Alva to head home to complete the shootout 14-0.India will next face Syria on October 8 at 13:00 IST before taking on hosts Malaysia on October 11 at 18:30 IST in Group E. Only the group winners will qualify for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027.