India secured their place in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final with a commanding victory over Bangladesh in Dubai, overcoming early batting difficulties before their spin attack took control of the semi-final.
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty won the toss and elected to bowl, looking to capitalize on a surface that proved challenging for India’s batters.
Bangladesh made an early breakthrough when Sultana Khatun dismissed star opener Smriti Mandhana for just two runs. However, missed opportunities in the field proved costly, with Shafali Verma dropped twice during the opening three overs.
Shafali Verma leads India’s batting charge
Shafali responded by taking the attack to Bangladesh, hitting consecutive sixes in the fourth over.
Pratika Rawal also cleared the boundary as India recovered to reach 45 for one at the end of the Powerplay.
Bangladesh’s spinners subsequently slowed India’s scoring and Rawal was dismissed for 20 from 24 deliveries.
Shafali continued to anchor the innings and reached her 20th T20 International half-century during the 13th over.
She accelerated further before eventually being dismissed for an important 64 from 40 balls, providing the foundation for India’s total.
Richa Ghosh and captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed valuable late runs, while Deepti Sharma provided a rapid cameo of 13 from five deliveries.
Their late contributions helped India finish their 20 overs at 149 for six.
Indian spinners halt Bangladesh’s chase
Bangladesh began their reply positively, with Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter finding the boundary early.
However, India’s introduction of spin quickly slowed the scoring rate.
Sree Charani provided an important breakthrough in the sixth over when she dismissed Ferdous, who was caught by Richa Ghosh.
From there, India’s bowling attack took control as Bangladesh struggled to maintain the required scoring rate, allowing India to complete a convincing semi-final victory and secure their place in the tournament decider.
The result sends India into the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final in Dubai, continuing their pursuit of another continental title.
