The first semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 between India Women and Bangladesh Women produced an exciting contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India Women vs Bangladesh Women highlights are: Shafali’s attacking innings and Bangladesh’s bowlers keeeping India under pressure during the middle overs.
India finished their 20 overs on 149 for 6, with Shafali Verma’s aggressive half-century providing the foundation for a competitive total.
Shafali Verma Leads India’s Batting
India suffered an early setback when tournament leading run-scorer Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for only two runs in the second over. She mistimed a shot against off-spinner Sultana Khatun, giving Bangladesh an early breakthrough.
Shafali Verma responded brilliantly to the early wicket. She attacked the Bangladesh bowlers and found the boundary regularly, reaching her half-century from 35 balls. Shafali Verma eventually scored 64 from 40 deliveries, hitting seven fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 160.
Her innings was particularly important because India had struggled to maintain momentum in the middle overs. Shafali also benefited from missed opportunities in the field, with Bangladesh failing to complete two catches and another run-out chance.
Bangladesh Bowlers Fight Back
After Shafali was dismissed by Sultana Khatun in the 14th over, Bangladesh managed to control the scoring rate. Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khatun bowled disciplined spells and restricted India’s boundary options.
The three bowlers combined to concede only 68 runs from their 12 overs. Pratika Rawal made 20 from 24 balls but struggled to find her rhythm, while Harmanpreet Kaur remained at the crease and guided India’s innings through the closing stages.
Sultana Khatun was Bangladesh’s most successful bowler, finishing with two wickets for 30 runs from three overs. Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khatun and Marufa Akter also picked up one wicket each.
Richa and Deepti Add Late Runs
India received a valuable boost towards the end of their innings through Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma. Ghosh scored 21 from 16 balls and struck two sixes, providing much-needed acceleration.
Deepti was even more aggressive, hitting 13 from just six deliveries. Her strike rate of 216.67 helped India push their total close to the 150 mark.
Harmanpreet Kaur finished unbeaten on 24 from 28 balls as India ended on 149 for 6 after 20 overs.
Bangladesh Begin 150-run Chase
The India vs Bangladesh Women’s Asia Cup result is yet to be decided at this stage of the match, with Bangladesh beginning their chase of 150. Openers Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous took five runs from the opening over bowled by Kranti Gaud.
The India Women vs Bangladesh Women semi final remains finely poised. India will believe their total gives their bowlers enough runs to defend, while Bangladesh will need a strong opening partnership and controlled batting through the middle overs to secure their place in the final.
The winner of the contest will advance to Sunday’s final, making the second innings crucial to the outcome of this Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semi final.
