Bangladesh will get another chance to face India in a semi-final when the two sides meet in the Asian Games women’s cricket last four on September 20, only days after India ended Bangladesh’s Women’s Asia Cup campaign with a 40-run victory.
India confirmed the rematch on Friday by beating Japan by eight wickets in the quarter-final at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. Japan were bowled out for 57 before India reached 60 for two in five overs.
Bangladesh had already secured their semi-final place on Thursday without taking the field. Their quarter-final against China was abandoned because of a wet outfield, with Bangladesh progressing because of their higher international ranking.
That left Bangladesh waiting for the winner of India and Japan. The wait ended with India producing a straightforward quarter-final win.
Japan chose to bat after winning the toss but struggled against India’s attack. Shree Charani took four wickets for 10 runs, while Shafali Verma claimed two for 13. Japan reached 24 in the powerplay but lost wickets regularly thereafter.
India needed only five overs to complete the chase. Verma struck an unbeaten 40 from 15 balls, while Richa Ghosh finished unbeaten on 12 from six.
For Bangladesh, the India fixture brings a quick opportunity to respond to their latest meeting. India beat Bangladesh by 40 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-final in Dubai on September 10. India posted 149 for six after being asked to bat, with Verma making 64 from 40 balls, before Bangladesh finished on 109 for seven.
The result ended Bangladesh’s run in that tournament, but the Asian Games gives Nigar Sultana and her side a different route to a final. Bangladesh entered the Asian Games as one of the higher-ranked teams and advanced from their abandoned quarter-final, while India arrived as defending champions after winning gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.
India’s victory over Japan also completed the semi-final line-up. Bangladesh and India will meet on September 20 at Korogi Sports Park, while Pakistan face the winner of Sri Lanka and Malaysia in the other semi-final.
