Dubai, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : India has reached the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 after defeating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the first semifinal held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10. They will face the winner of the second semifinal between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on September 13.
Batting first after losing the toss, India scored 149 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs. The team suffered an early setback, losing Smriti Mandhana for just 2 runs, leaving them at 9 for 1.
However, Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawal steadied the innings, adding 50 runs for the second wicket. Pratika contributed 20 runs before returning to the pavilion. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then built crucial partnerships, scoring 24 runs off 28 balls, including two sixes, and remaining not out. She added 33 runs with Shafali Verma, who was named Player of the Match for her impressive 64 runs off 40 balls, and 36 runs with Richa Ghosh, who scored 21.
On the bowling front, Bangladesh’s Sultana Khatoon took two wickets, while Marufa Akhtar, Nahida Akhtar, and Rabia Khan each claimed one wicket.
In response, Bangladesh struggled, managing only 109 runs and losing seven wickets in their allotted overs. Dilara Akhtar opened the innings with Juwairiya Firdaus, putting together 26 runs for the first wicket off 33 balls. Firdaus scored 14 runs before being dismissed. Shobhana Mostari contributed 18 runs, and captain Nigar Sultana added 19, but the innings fell apart after their dismissals.
Bangladesh lost five wickets for just 83 runs. Fahima Khatoon and Shorna Akhtar added 26 runs for the sixth wicket, but it was not enough to save the innings. Nandini Sharma’s late burst saw her take two wickets in the final two balls, halting Bangladesh’s innings at 109.
For India, Deepti Sharma was the standout bowler, taking three wickets for 26 runs, while Nandini Sharma claimed two wickets. Shree Charani and Prema Rawat each contributed with one wicket.
Leave a Comment