Bangladesh secured the fourth and final semi-final spot in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 after defeating the United Arab Emirates by 34 runs in Dubai on September 8, setting up a last-four clash against unbeaten India.
Defending a modest target of 104 after being bowled out for 103, Bangladesh produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict the UAE to 69/9 in 20 overs. Rabeya Khan led the attack with 3/14 from four overs, while Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter claimed two wickets each. Sultana Khatun and Fahima Khatun also took a wicket apiece.
The result completed the semi-final line-up. Bangladesh will face India, while defending champions Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan for a place in the final.
Bangladesh Struggle to Build a Big Total
The UAE won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The decision initially paid off as Bangladesh found it difficult to score freely against the home side's attack.
Off-spinner Suraksha Kotte provided the UAE with an early breakthrough, taking two wickets during the powerplay before adding another later in the innings.
Bangladesh's middle order struggled to maintain momentum, but contributions from Juairiya Ferdous, captain Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter helped the team reach three figures.
Sharmin was Bangladesh's top scorer with 38, while Nigar made 23 and Juairiya contributed 16. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 103, their lowest total of the tournament.
Rabeya Khan Leads Bangladesh's Defence
The UAE needed 104 runs to qualify, but Bangladesh's bowlers quickly made the chase difficult.
Rabeya Khan was the standout performer, finishing with 3/14 in four overs. Her spell was supported by Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter, who picked up two wickets each.
Sultana Khatun and Fahima Khatun also added to the pressure with a wicket apiece as the UAE struggled to establish partnerships.
With wickets falling regularly and the required runs continuing to mount, the hosts could not build enough momentum to challenge Bangladesh's total.
UAE Finish on 69/9
The UAE eventually finished at 69/9 after 20 overs, falling 34 runs short of the target.
Bangladesh's ability to defend 103 proved decisive in a match that carried major qualification implications. Despite their struggles with the bat, the bowlers ensured that the team collected the two points required to advance to the knockout stage.
India Await in Semi-Final
Bangladesh's qualification sets up an intriguing semi-final against India, who had already secured their place in the last four after a strong group-stage campaign.
India have remained unbeaten in the tournament and topped Group A after victories over Thailand, Hong Kong, China and Pakistan. Their campaign has included a record-setting century from Smriti Mandhana and a dominant bowling performance against Pakistan.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, enter the knockout stage after recovering from their defeat against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka had beaten Bangladesh by four wickets on September 6, but Bangladesh's subsequent victory over the UAE kept their campaign alive and secured the final semi-final berth.
Sri Lanka Face Pakistan in Other Semi-Final
The second semi-final will see defending champions Sri Lanka take on Pakistan.
Sri Lanka qualified after winning all of their group-stage matches, including their victory over Bangladesh. Pakistan secured their semi-final place after defeating Hong Kong, China by 72 runs, with Nashra Sundhu producing a record-breaking six-wicket haul for Pakistan in T20I cricket.
With the four teams now confirmed, the Women’s Asia Cup moves into its knockout phase, with Bangladesh facing the tournament's unbeaten side and Sri Lanka defending their title hopes against Pakistan.
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