Women’s Asia Cup 2026: India Beat Bangladesh by 40 Runs to Enter Final, Shafali and Deepti Star
Thiruvananthapuram: India defeated Bangladesh by 40 runs in the first semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 to book their place in the final for the 10th consecutive time. Shafali Verma’s attacking half-century and Deepti Sharma’s three-wicket spell powered India to a convincing victory at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
After being asked to bat first, India posted 149/6 in 20 overs. Bangladesh struggled throughout the chase and finished at 109/7, falling well short of the 150-run target.
Shafali Verma Leads India’s Batting
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl, but India recovered quickly after losing Smriti Mandhana for just two runs.
Shafali Verma took control of the innings and attacked the Bangladesh bowlers from the outset. She scored 64 off 40 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 160.
Pratika Rawal added 20 runs from 24 balls, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 24 off 28 balls, including two sixes.
Shafali’s dismissal in the 14th over briefly slowed India’s scoring, but the lower middle order ensured India finished strongly.
Richa Ghosh, Deepti Provide Late Push
Richa Ghosh accelerated the scoring towards the end, hitting 21 off 16 balls, including two sixes. Deepti Sharma then contributed a quick 13 off six balls to take India to 149/6.
For Bangladesh, Sultana Khatun picked up two wickets, while Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan claimed one wicket each.
Bangladesh Fail to Build Momentum
Bangladesh needed 150 runs to win but lost wickets at regular intervals during the chase.
Dilara Akter scored 21 off 26 balls, while Jahanara Ferdous made 14 from 18 deliveries. Sobhana Mostary contributed 18 off 24 balls and captain Nigar Sultana scored 19 off 17.
Shorna Akter remained unbeaten on 22 off 18 balls, hitting one four and one six. However, Bangladesh could not build the partnerships needed to challenge India and eventually finished on 109/7.
Deepti Sharma Shines With the Ball
Deepti Sharma once again proved crucial for India, taking 3/26 in four overs. She picked up wickets at key moments and prevented Bangladesh from gaining momentum.
Nandani Sharma also impressed with the ball, taking two wickets, while Shree Charani and Prema Rawat claimed one wicket each.
India’s disciplined bowling attack restricted Bangladesh to 109/7 and sealed a 40-run victory.
India Eye Another Asia Cup Title
The win takes India into the Women’s Asia Cup final for the 10th consecutive time, underlining their long-standing dominance in the tournament.
India will face the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the final on September 13.
Shafali’s explosive batting and Deepti’s all-round contribution emerged as the biggest positives for India. With both bat and ball delivering in the semi-final, India will enter the title clash with confidence as they target another Asia Cup trophy.