India beat Bangladesh by 40 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semi-final to reach the final for the 10th consecutive time, with Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma starring
New Delhi: The Indian women’s cricket team defeated Bangladesh by 40 runs in the first semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 to secure a place in the final. At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India scored 149 for 6 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Bangladesh could manage only 109 for 7 in their 20 overs while chasing 150. With this victory, India reached the tournament final for the 10th consecutive time.
Shafali Verma Anchors India’s Innings
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first. India suffered an early setback as Smriti Mandhana returned to the pavilion after scoring just two runs. Shafali Verma then took charge and played an aggressive innings to steady India’s batting.
Shafali scored 64 runs off 40 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. She maintained a strike rate of 160 and kept the Bangladesh bowlers under pressure. Although she was dismissed in the 14th over, her innings had already put India in a strong position.
Pratika Rawal scored 20 runs off 24 balls, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur took responsibility for stabilising the innings. Harmanpreet remained unbeaten on 24 off 28 balls, including two sixes.
Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma Accelerate at the End
Richa Ghosh provided momentum in the final stages of India’s innings. She scored 21 runs off just 16 balls, including two sixes. Deepti Sharma then added 13 runs from six deliveries to help India reach 149.
India finished with 149 runs for six wickets in 20 overs. For Bangladesh, Sultana Khatun claimed two wickets, while Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan took one wicket each.
Bangladesh Struggle in the Run Chase
Chasing 150, Bangladesh came under pressure early in their innings. The Indian bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals and prevented Bangladesh from building momentum.
Dilara Akter scored 21 runs off 26 balls, while Jahanara Ferdous contributed 14 runs from 18 deliveries. Sobhana Mostary made 18 off 24 balls, while captain Nigar Sultana scored 19 from 17 balls. However, none of the batters managed to build a substantial partnership.
Shorna Akter remained unbeaten on 22 off 18 balls, including a four and a six. Her late effort, however, was not enough to take Bangladesh across the target.
Deepti Sharma Leads India’s Bowling Attack
The Indian bowlers played a crucial role in defending the total. Deepti Sharma delivered an impressive spell, taking three wickets for 26 runs in four overs. She struck at important stages of Bangladesh’s innings and made the chase increasingly difficult.
Nandani Sharma also bowled effectively and claimed two wickets, while Shree Charani and Prema Rawat took one wicket each. India restricted Bangladesh to 109 for seven in 20 overs.
India Reach the Final for the 10th Consecutive Time
With their 40-run victory, India secured a place in the Women’s Asia Cup final for the 10th consecutive time. India have maintained their dominance in the tournament over the years and will now look to add another Asia Cup title to their record.
India will face the winner of the second semi-final in the final. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will contest the other semi-final. The final is scheduled to take place on September 13.
For India, the biggest positives from the semi-final were Shafali Verma’s attacking batting and Deepti Sharma’s disciplined bowling. After posting 149 runs, India’s bowlers defended the total confidently, giving the team a strong boost ahead of the final.
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