With three straight wins in the group stage, two of them sealed in the final over, Bangladesh ‘A’ stormed into the semifinals as group champions and then brushed aside Pakistan to reach the final of the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars. It has been a dream run for the Tigresses so far. On Sunday at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Thailand, they face India in the final, carrying the weight of unfinished business.
In 2023, when the tournament was known as the ACC Women’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, Bangladesh fell short in the final against India. In Kowloon, Hong Kong, they restricted India to 127 but were bowled out for 96, losing by 31 runs and missing out on the title. This time, Fahima Khatun and her teammates will be eager to settle that score.
Several members of that 2023 squad are part of the current team, including Lata Mondal, Rubya Haider Jhilik, Sanjida Maghla and Fariha Trisna. Despite a blend of experience and fresh faces, Bangladesh have struggled at the top of the order. Their highest opening partnership in four matches has been 48 runs, which came against Sri Lanka in the group stage.
Lata has shown consistency at the top, while captain Fahima has delivered in the middle order in two matches. In the semifinal against Pakistan, she produced a crucial unbeaten 40 off 32 balls under pressure and then claimed two wickets with the ball to earn Player of the Match honours. Farzana Yasmin’s ability to play impactful cameo innings has also been a valuable asset.
The Terdthai surface has favoured spin, and Bangladesh’s spinners have thrived throughout the tournament. Maghla, Fahima and Fatema Jahan have each stepped up at different moments. Maghla currently sits third on the list of leading wicket takers, highlighted by her remarkable spell of 3.4 overs for just six runs and three wickets against Pakistan.
The primary concern remains the top order. If Bangladesh can negotiate India’s bowling attack and secure a solid start, the contest could turn into a gripping battle. India’s spinners, including Radha Yadav, Tanuja Kanwar and Minnu Mani, will look to weave their own web and apply pressure.
After confirming their place in the final, Fahima said, “First of all, Alhamdulillah, we have secured our spot in the final. We hope to play well in the final and achieve the goal we came here for, which is to win the title for our country.”
Bangladesh defended a modest total of 110 in the semifinal, bowling Pakistan out for just 56. Fahima believes that victory has instilled strong belief within the side. “The wicket was very slow, and even with 110 runs we were confident that our bowlers could defend it. They all performed really well. We hope to maintain this consistency in the final as well,” she added.
An interesting pattern has also emerged. The semifinal lineup in 2023 mirrored this year’s draw. India defeated Sri Lanka in the first semifinal, while Bangladesh overcame Pakistan. Once again, India and Bangladesh meet in the final. This time, however, Bangladesh have more than a trophy at stake. They have a chance to rewrite history and even the score.
Probable XI
Bangladesh: Ishma Tanjim, Shamima Sultana, Sharmin Sultana, Rubya Haidar, Fahima Khatun (c), Lata Mandal, Farjana Easmin, Shorifa Khatun, Fatema Jahan, Sanjida Akter Maghla, Fariha Trisna
India: Nandini Kashyap, Dinesh Vrinda, Anushka Sharma, Tejal Hasabnis, Radha Yadav (c), Minnu Mani, Prema Rawat, Madiwala Mamatha, Tanuja Kanwar, Saima Thakoor, Jintimani Kalita
