Bangladesh’s Women’s Asia Cup campaign ended with another semi-final defeat to India after they fell 40 runs short in Dubai on Thursday.
India reached 149 for six after Bangladesh chose to field at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh managed 109 for seven in reply, ending their hopes of reaching the final.
The defeat also revived a painful memory. Bangladesh had lost to India in the semi-final of the previous Women’s Asia Cup in 2024, and Nigar Sultana’s side had another chance to settle that score. Instead, India produced the stronger performance when it mattered.
Shafali Verma provided the main difference with a powerful 64 from 40 balls. She struck seven fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 160.
Bangladesh had chances to remove her earlier. They dropped catches from Sultana Khatun and Fahima Khatun’s bowling, while another opportunity to run her out also went begging.
Shafali made Bangladesh pay. She first added 50 with Pratika Rawal, who scored 20 from 24 balls. After Rawal fell at 59, Shafali continued before Sultana finally dismissed her at 92.
Richa Ghosh added 21 from 16 balls, while Harmanpreet Kaur stayed unbeaten on 24 from 28. Deepti Sharma also struck 13 from six balls late in the innings.
Sultana finished with two wickets for Bangladesh. Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan took one each.
Bangladesh needed a strong chase, but their innings never gained enough momentum.
Dilara Akter and Juairiya Ferdous put on 26 for the opening wicket. Juairiya fell for 14 before Dilara followed for 21, leaving Bangladesh 35 for two.
Sobhana Mostary and Nigar then added 31 for the third wicket. Their partnership offered Bangladesh a route back into the chase, but India struck again.
Mostary made 18 and Nigar 19 before both departed in quick succession. Sharmin Akhter fell for one soon after, leaving Bangladesh five down for 83.
Shorna Akter finished unbeaten on 22 from 18 balls, with one four and one six. Fahima Khatun made 14 from 14, but Bangladesh could only reach 109 for seven.
Deepti Sharma led India’s attack with three wickets for 26 runs. Shree Charani and Prema Rawat took one each.
