India Women booked their place in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 final after defeating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the first semi-final in Dubai on Thursday. Shafali Verma's aggressive 64-run innings and Deepti Sharma's three-wicket spell helped India defend a total of 149.
Batting first, India scored 149 for six in 20 overs. Shafali provided the platform with a 40-ball 64, hitting seven fours and three sixes. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 24, while Richa Ghosh contributed 21.
Bangladesh were restricted to 109 all out in 19.5 overs, giving India a comfortable 40-run victory and another appearance in the continental tournament's final.
India Enter 10th Asia Cup Final
The victory takes India into the Women's Asia Cup final for the 10th time.
India have reached the final four times in the ODI format and six times in the T20 format. The team won all four of its previous ODI finals.
In the T20 format, India lifted the trophy in 2012, 2016 and 2022, while finishing runners-up in 2018 and 2024.
Shafali Sets Up India’s Total
India lost Smriti Mandhana early, but Shafali quickly shifted the momentum.
She struck boundaries regularly and completed her 20th T20 international half-century during the innings. Her 64 came from just 40 deliveries and included seven fours and three sixes.
Shafali eventually fell in the 14th over when she attempted a big shot against Sultana Khatun and was caught at deep midwicket.
Her innings, however, had already given India a strong platform.
Harmanpreet and Richa Add Runs
After Shafali's dismissal, India relied on Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh to maintain the scoring rate.
Richa made 21 from 16 balls before being stumped off Nahida Akter in the 19th over.
Harmanpreet remained unbeaten on 24 and provided some late acceleration. Deepti Sharma then added a quick 13 from six deliveries, including a boundary and a six.
India lost two wickets from the final two deliveries but finished on 149 for six.
Bangladesh Struggle in Chase
Bangladesh began their chase with some early opportunities but struggled to maintain momentum against India's bowling attack.
Jueiriya Ferdous made 14 before Sri Charani took the first wicket. Deepti Sharma then dismissed Dilara Akter for 21, with Kranti Goud taking an excellent catch.
Bangladesh reached 57 for two after 12 overs but could not build a substantial partnership from there.
Deepti Sharma Leads Bowling Attack
Deepti Sharma was the key figure with the ball, finishing with three wickets for 26 runs in four overs.
She dismissed Dilara Akter, Shobhana Mostary and Sharmin Akhter to repeatedly break Bangladesh's momentum.
Prema Rawat also contributed with the wicket of Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana, while Sri Charani claimed the opening breakthrough.
Nandani Sharma finished the contest dramatically, taking two wickets in the final over as Bangladesh's innings ended at 109.
Bangladesh All Out for 109
Bangladesh's lower order could not withstand India's bowling pressure.
Nigar Sultana scored 19 before being dismissed by Prema Rawat, while Shobhana Mostary made 18. Bangladesh then lost wickets at regular intervals.
In the 19.5th over, Nandani Sharma dismissed Fahima Khatun for 14. Rabeya Khan was then dismissed on the following delivery after being adjudged hit wicket.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 109, 40 runs short of India's target.
Shafali Named Player of Match
Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match for her match-winning 64.
Her strike rate of 160 gave India the attacking start required on a Dubai surface where Bangladesh's bowlers had initially kept the scoring under control.
Her performance also strengthened India's batting effort ahead of the final.
Final Set for September 13
The Women's Asia Cup 2026 final will be played in Dubai on September 13 from 8 PM.
India will face the winner of the second semi-final between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which is scheduled for September 11.
With another final secured, India will now look to add another T20 Asia Cup title to its record and finish the tournament as champions.
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