8 MAY2024IN FOCUSIN FOCUSAfter clinching three consecutive wins over Bangladesh during the 5-match series T20 International tournament, the Indian women's cricket team has showcased phenomenal gameplay at the Sylhet International Stadium. During the 4th T20I match of the series on May 6, 2024, Asha Sobhana made her debut for the team at the age of 33 years and 51 days breaking the previous record held by Seema Pujare, who made her debut for India in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 2008 at the age of 31, becoming the oldest debutant for India in women's internationals.Notably, no other Indian women's cricket player has made a debut under the age of 30, apart from Asha and Seema. Asha showcased her talent in the Women's Premier League (WPL) as the leading bowler of Smriti Mandhana led the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise to a 5-wicket haul and became a top wicket-taker grabbing 12 wickets in 10 innings. She also showcased her bowling prowess in the 2023-24 Women's One-Day Trophy, achieving an economy of 2.99 and an average of 11.62.Additionally, Habiba Islam Pinky, a 14-year-old right-arm pacer also made her debut at the same match along with Asha, emerging to be the second-youngest Bangladeshi player in international cricket, showcasing diversity and passion within women's cricket. Accenture and Springboard Enterprises have collaborated in order to support female-led startups and provide women entrepreneurs with eminent opportunities. A network of innovators, investors, and influencers who are committed to helping women-led, high-growth businesses represents Springboard. The partnership aims to establish a link between Accenture clients in the healthcare sector and firms in the Springboard portfolio that provide digital health solutions.Accenture's stock has dropped 19.6 per cent so far this year, while the industry has declined 19.2 per cent and the Zacks S&P 500 composite has declined 11.8 per cent. Through this alliance, Springboard firms will be able to help female entrepreneurs engage with larger enterprises and expand their industry network by providing them with support through Accenture Ventures.The Group Chief Executive of Strategy & Consulting at Accenture, Annette Rippert mentioned, "Continuing to bring our unique industry connections within the venture ecosystem to the Springboard network enables us to promote women founders and innovators, connecting them with the right resources to secure innovators, connecting them with the right resources to secure funding and forge strategic business collaborations." She further said that Accenture and Springboard aim to promote gender parity and growth of women-led companies through talent and innovation, focusing on innovative business solutions and value-adding strategies. ASHA SOBHANA BECOMES INDIA'S OLDEST DEBUTANT AT INTERNATIONAL CRICKETACCENTURE & SPRINGBOARD COLLABORATE TO SUPPORT FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS
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