India secured their place in the Women’s Asia Cup final in Dubai after a clinical performance against Bangladesh, winning the semi-final encounter by 40 runs. After posting a challenging total of 150/6, the Indian bowlers maintained consistent pressure to restrict Bangladesh to 109/7.
India’s innings began under testing conditions as Bangladesh’s pacers utilized swing and movement. Marufa Akter challenged the openers early, while off-spinner Sultana Khatun claimed the first wicket when Smriti Mandhana top-edged a lofted shot, caught by Shorna Akter. This marked India’s slowest start of the tournament, exacerbated by a few missed opportunities in the field by the Bangladesh side.
Shafali Verma anchored the innings, though she benefited from four dropped catches throughout her knock. She began to accelerate in the fourth over, striking two consecutive sixes off Sultana to shift the momentum. Shafali eventually reached the 22nd fifty of her career off 35 balls. Despite a brief partnership with Pratika Rawal, who struggled to find her rhythm during a 24-ball 20, India maintained a steady pace. Following Shafali’s dismissal, captain Harmanpreet Kaur built crucial partnerships with Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma to push the team to 149/6.
In response, Bangladesh started with a cautious 26-run opening stand. India broke the deadlock when Shree Charani dismissed Juairiya Ferdous, followed quickly by the wicket of Dilara Akter, leaving Bangladesh two down for 34 runs. Although Sobhana Mostary and captain Nigar Sultana attempted to stabilize the chase with a 30-run partnership, the Indian bowling attack remained relentless.
Deepti Sharma proved pivotal, rattling the stumps of Sobhana to break the stand and later claiming three wickets in total. Bangladesh’s captain Nigar Sultana was dismissed by Rawat after contributing 10 runs, as the team’s defensive approach led to a buildup of dot balls. The required run rate climbed steadily, leaving Bangladesh needing 60 runs off the final 16 balls.
Despite late efforts from Shorna Akter and Fahima Khatun to accelerate, the target remained out of reach. India’s disciplined bowling ensured they completed the formalities to seal a comfortable 40-run victory, confirming their berth in the continental final. The report also notes that mohammad Abdullah covers major sports event like FIFA WC, Cricket WC and Formula One. The report also notes that deepti again struck as she rattled the stumps of Sobhana to pick up the second wicket and give India a much-needed breakthrough. The report also notes that after that, Bangladesh kept on losing the wickets at regular intervals. The report also notes that every time they made a stride forward they were pegged back by two by the Indian bowlers. The report also notes that bangladesh batters played defensively as they consumed too many deliveries. The report also notes that marufa Akter hit the deck hard and got the ball to move in either direction. The report also notes that shafali Varma was beaten outside the off stumps twice.
