Dubai, 11 September (H.S.):

The Indian women’s cricket team put on an impressive performance to defeat Bangladesh by 40 runs and secure a place in the final of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup. With this victory, India have reached the tournament final for the 10th time.

In the semi-final played at the Dubai International Stadium, India batted first and posted 149 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Shafali Verma top-scored for India with a brilliant 64. She faced 40 deliveries and struck seven fours and three sixes. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 24 runs, while Richa Ghosh scored 21, Pratika Rawal 20 and Deepti Sharma 13. Opener Smriti Mandhana could manage only two runs, while Bharati Fulmali was run out without opening her account.

For Bangladesh, Sultana Khatun claimed two wickets.

Chasing the target, Bangladesh kept losing wickets at regular intervals against the Indian bowlers and could manage only 109 for seven in their 20 overs. Shorna Akter top-scored for Bangladesh with 22 runs. Dilara Akter made 21, captain Nigar Sultana scored 19 and Sobhana Mostary contributed 18.

Among India’s bowlers, Deepti Sharma was the most effective, claiming three wickets and keeping Bangladesh’s scoring rate under control.

India will now look to cap their impressive campaign by winning the Asia Cup trophy in the title clash.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar