India continued their dominant run in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, securing a comprehensive 40-run victory over Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The win propels the seven-time champions into their 10th consecutive final, maintaining their unbeaten record throughout the tournament.
After being sent in to bat, India posted a competitive total of 149/6 on a surface that proved difficult for scoring. The bowlers then maintained immense pressure throughout the second innings, restricting Bangladesh to 109/7 to comfortably defend their target and seal a place in the title clash scheduled for September 13.
Shafali Verma Leads the Charge
The Indian innings was anchored by a blistering performance from opener Shafali Verma. Despite the early loss of vice-captain Smriti Mandhana for just two runs, Verma took charge, smashing 64 off 40 deliveries. Her aggressive knock, which included seven boundaries and three sixes, provided the necessary momentum for the side despite being handed three lives by the Bangladesh fielders.
Support came from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who contributed 24 off 28 balls, and Richa Ghosh, who added a valuable 21 from 16 deliveries. A late cameo from
Deepti Sharma Dominates with the Ball
Facing a required run rate that climbed steadily, the Bangladesh batting lineup struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Indian attack. Deepti Sharma was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3/26 in her four-over spell to dismantle the opposition's middle order. She was well-supported by Nandani Sharma, who finished with figures of 2/10 from two overs.
While Dilara Akter (21) and Shorna Akter (22) offered brief resistance, the Tigresses were unable to build meaningful partnerships. The match concluded on a dramatic note when Nandani Sharma dismissed Rabeya Khan hit-wicket, as the batter dislodged her own stumps while attempting a slog. India now awaits the winner of the second semi-final between Sri Lanka and Pakistan to determine their opponent for the championship match.
