Shafali stars with 64, Deepti strikes thrice as India storm into 10th Asia Cup last after 40-run win over Bangladesh
India produced another dominant efficiency with bat and ball to beat Bangladesh by 40 runs and storm into the last of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. After publishing 149/6 in their 20 overs, India’s bowlers provided under pressure to limit Bangladesh to 109/7, effectively protecting what at first seemed a modest overall on a sluggish pitch.The triumph extended India’s unbeaten run in the competition and protected their location in a 10th succeeding Women’s Asia Cup last. They will deal with the winner of the 2nd semi-final in between protecting champs Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the title clash on September 13.
Shafali’s blazing 64 lifts India
Bangladesh won the toss and decided to field, however Shafali Varma maximized the chance to put India on the front foot.The explosive opener smashed 64 off 40 balls, striking 7 fours and 3 6s, as she held India’s innings together after vice-captain Smriti Mandhana succumbed to simply 2. Shafali rode her luck after being dropped 3 times however made Bangladesh pay with an assaulting knock that provided India a competitive overall.Captain Harmanpreet Kaur had a hard time for fluency however contributed 24 off 28 balls, consisting of 2 6s, while Richa Ghosh included an essential 21 off 16 shipments. Deepti Sharma then offered the late incentive with a fast 13 off 6 balls, assisting India surface simply except 150.
Deepti spins Bangladesh into difficulty
Bangladesh required 150 to reach the last however had a hard time to preserve momentum throughout their chase. Deepti Sharma as soon as again showed the distinction with the ball, declaring 3/26 in 4 overs and consistently breaking Bangladesh’s resistance.Nandani Sharma likewise satisfied, taking 2/10 from 2 overs, consisting of the last wicket of the innings. Bangladesh’s leading order revealed glances of resistance, with Dilara Akter scoring 21 off 26 balls and Shorna Akter striking a vigorous 22 off 18. But the batting line-up stopped working to soak up India’s continual pressure.The Tigresses lost wickets at routine periods as India tightened their grip on the chase. With the needed rate climbing up, Bangladesh might just reach 109/7 in 20 overs, falling 40 runs brief.The innings ended in fitting style for India, with Nandani Sharma dismissing Rabeya Khan hit-wicket. Khan tried to slog a slower shipment however wound up removing the stumps with her bat while finishing the shot.
India eye another Asia Cup title
India’s newest triumph keeps their unbeaten project undamaged and sends them into yet another Asia Cup last. The seven-time champs will now wait for the winner of Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, with the last set up for September 13.
