India stormed into the Women’s Asia Cup final with a commanding 40-run victory over Bangladesh in the first semifinal at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday. After being asked to bat first, India posted 149/6 in 20 overs, with opener Shafali Verma producing a blistering 64 off 40 balls. She struck seven fours and three sixes to register her 20th T20I half-century, while Richa Ghosh added a useful 21 off 16 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 24.
Chasing 150, Bangladesh struggled against India’s disciplined spin attack and managed only 109/7 in their 20 overs. Deepti Sharma led the bowling effort with an excellent 3-26, while Nandani Sharma claimed 2-10. Shree Charani and Prema Rawat also picked up a wicket each.
Bangladesh’s chase never gathered momentum after early wickets, with Dilara Akter scoring 21 and Shorna Akter remaining unbeaten on 22. India’s spinners maintained control throughout the innings to secure a comprehensive win and book their place in Sunday’s final.
Brief Scores
India Women – 149/6 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 64, Harmanpreet Kaur 24 not out; Sultana Khatun 2-30, Rabeya Khan 1-22)
Bangladesh 109/7 in 20 overs (Shorna Akter 22 not out, Dilara Akter 21; Deepti Sharma 3-26, Nandani Sharma 2-10, Shree Charani 1-14)