India produced a clinical performance to defeat Bangladesh by 40 runs in the semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai on Thursday and booked their place in the final.
Batting first after Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field, India posted a competitive 149 for 6 in 20 overs. Opener Shafali Verma led the charge with a blistering 64 off just 40 balls, laced with seven fours and three sixes. Although Smriti Mandhana fell early for 2, Shafali’s aggressive knock set a solid platform. Pratika Rawal contributed a useful 20, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur (24 not out), Richa Ghosh (21) and Deepti Sharma (13) provided the late acceleration.
Chasing 150, Bangladesh never found momentum. Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure from the outset, taking regular wickets and preventing any partnerships from developing. Deepti Sharma was the star with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets, while Nandani Sharma chipped in with two. Shorna Akter remained unbeaten on 22 as Bangladesh’s top scorer, but the side could manage only 109 for 7 in their 20 overs.
The victory sets up a mouth-watering final for Team India. In the second semi-final on Friday (September 11), Pakistan will face Sri Lanka. The winner of that contest will meet India in the final on Sunday.
With strong all-round contributions and a dominant bowling display, India have underlined their credentials as favourites to lift the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 title.
India Storm into Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Final with 40-Run Win over Bangladesh
