The Indian women’s cricket team defeated Bangladesh by 40 runs in the first semi-final of the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai to secure a place in the final. India scored 149 for 5 in 20 overs after batting first, while Bangladesh managed 109 for 7 in its 20 overs.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, India were led by Shafali Verma, who scored 64 runs from 40 balls. Her innings included 7 fours and 3 sixes.
Verma also received three lives during her innings as Bangladesh’s fielding was not b. Bangladesh players dropped a total of four catches in the match. Verma capitalised on the opportunities to help India post 149 for 5.
India scored 45 runs for the loss of one wicket in the first six overs. Bangladesh’s bowlers then restricted India’s scoring rate during the middle overs.
Pratika Rawal scored 20 runs from 24 balls before being dismissed by Marufa. Richa Ghosh contributed 21 runs from 16 balls.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur initially struggled to score, making only four runs from her first 16 balls. She then hit two sixes in the latter part of the innings and remained unbeaten on 24 from 28 balls as India reached 149.
Bangladesh’s chase of 150 did not get off to an effective start against the Indian bowling attack. India took wickets at regular intervals and did not allow Bangladesh to build big partnerships.
Deepti Sharma was India’s most successful bowler, taking three wickets and putting pressure on Bangladesh’s middle order.
Bangladesh finished on 109 for 7 in 20 overs, giving India a 40-run victory and a place in the final.
The victory was India’s fourth consecutive win in the tournament, making them the first team to reach the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final. India have also reached the final for the 10th consecutive time in the history of the Women’s Asia Cup. Since the first edition of the tournament in 2004, India have reached the title clash every time.
India will face the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the final.
