Fans react as Shafali Verma powers India into Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final with 40-run win over Bangladesh

Sep 11, 2026

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India Women produced a disciplined all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh Women by 40 runs in the first semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After being asked to bat first, India posted 149/6 in their allotted 20 overs before restricting Bangladesh to 109/7. Shafali Verma starred with the bat and was named Player of the Match for her match-winning 64.

Shafali Verma leads India to competitive total

Bangladesh Women won the toss and elected to bowl, hoping to make early inroads against India’s formidable batting lineup. Their decision initially appeared to pay off as Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for just two runs from five deliveries. However, Shafali responded with an aggressive innings that put India firmly in control. The opener smashed 64 off 40 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes. She attacked the Bangladesh bowlers throughout her stay at the crease and provided India with the momentum they needed in the first innings.

Pratika Rawal contributed a steady 20 off 24 balls, including one four and a six, while Harmanpreet Kaur added 24 from 28 deliveries with two sixes. The Indian captain helped rebuild the innings after the early loss of wickets before Richa Ghosh provided some late impetus with 21 off 16 balls. Deepti Sharma then supplied a brisk finish, scoring 13 from just six deliveries with a four and a six. Bharti Fulmali was dismissed without scoring, but India’s lower order ensured they reached a competitive 149/6 after 20 overs.

Sultana Khatun was Bangladesh’s most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 30 runs in three overs. Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan picked up one wicket apiece, while Fahima Khatun conceded only 21 runs from her four overs.

Deepti Sharma sizzles with the ball as Bangladesh struggle in run chase

Bangladesh needed 150 runs to reach the final but struggled to build the sustained partnerships required in the chase. Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous gave their side a cautious start, scoring 21 and 14 respectively, but neither could convert their starts into a substantial contribution. Sobhana Mostary scored 18 from 24 balls, while captain Nigar Sultana attempted to keep the chase alive with 19 off 17 deliveries. However, India’s bowling attack consistently prevented Bangladesh from gaining momentum.

Shorna Akter top-scored for Bangladesh with 22 from 18 balls, including a four and a six. Fahima added 14, but wickets at regular intervals meant Bangladesh were never able to threaten India’s total. India’s bowling attack complemented the batting effort with an impressive display. Deepti was the standout performer with the ball, taking three wickets for 26 runs from her four overs.

Nandani Sharma also made a significant impact, picking up two wickets while conceding only 10 runs in her two overs. Shree Charani and Prema Rawat claimed one wicket each, further tightening the pressure on the Bangladesh batting lineup. Bangladesh eventually finished on 109/7 in their 20 overs, falling 40 runs short of India’s total.

Also READ: Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Semi-final, Schedule, Broadcast and Live Streaming details: When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, UK & other countries

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Also READ: Deepti Sharma climbs to sixth as Smriti Mandhana strengthens top-five spot in latest ICC rankings

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.

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