Bangladesh’s batters faltered again, but their bowlers came to the rescue as they beat the United Arab Emirates by 34 runs in Dubai on Tuesday to reach the Women’s Asia Cup semi-finals.
Defending just 103, Bangladesh’s bowlers produced an impressive performance to restrict the hosts to 69. With two wins from three matches and four points, Bangladesh finished runners-up in Group B and will face India in Thursday’s semi-final.
Marufa Akter once again led Bangladesh’s bowling effort. The 21-year-old pacer took 2 for 9 from her four overs, taking her tournament tally to seven wickets in three matches.
Returning leg-spinner Rabeya Khan provided excellent support, claiming 3 for 14 from four overs. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter took two wickets, while Sultana Khatun and Fahima Khatun claimed one each.
The UAE never recovered after a disastrous start to their chase. Captain Esha Oza was dismissed in the opening over before Marufa struck again in the fifth to remove Samaira Dharnidharka.
The hosts managed only 15 runs in the six-over powerplay, their lowest of the tournament. Rabeya then removed Rithika Rajith in the eighth over before Sultana dismissed opener Theertha Satish.
Nahida followed by removing Lavanya Keny, leaving the UAE reeling at 38 for 5. They never recovered and finished on 69.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s batting once again left much to be desired. After being asked to bat, Dilara Akter was dismissed for a duck in the opening over by Suraksha Kotte, who struck again in the next over to remove Sobhana Mostary for three.
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty and young opener Juwairiya Ferdous tried to rebuild, adding 31 for the third wicket. Juwairiya was eventually dismissed for 16 while attempting a big shot.
Nigar then put together another partnership with Sharmin Akter Supta, but the Bangladesh captain fell for 23 in the 11th over after offering a return catch off a full toss. Shorna Akter and Fahima Khatun followed without scoring as Bangladesh slipped to 55 for 6.
Supta and Nahida then rescued the innings with a 42-run partnership from 43 balls for the seventh wicket, Bangladesh’s second-highest seventh-wicket stand in women’s T20Is.
Playing her first match of the tournament, Supta struck three boundaries in a 31-ball 38, while Nahida remained unbeaten on a career-best 16 to take Bangladesh past 100.
Suraksha was the UAE’s standout bowler, finishing with 3 for 11 from four overs.
