Bangladesh suffer 114-run defeat to India in Asian Games semi-final

Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the Asian Games women’s cricket final ended with a 114-run defeat to India in the semi-final at Korogi Sports Park in Japan today (20 September).

After winning the toss, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur decided to bat first and posted 195 for 4 in 20 overs, with Shafali Verma smashing her maiden century in white-ball international cricket. Bangladesh struggled in the chase, managing only 81 runs in 15.4 overs.

Shafali struck nine sixes in her unbeaten 100 off 49 balls, while Harmanpreet Kaur scored 40 off 33 as the pair put on 94 runs for the third wicket.

India made a flying start, scoring 72 runs in the powerplay. Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana brought Nahida Akter into the attack in the final over of the powerplay and the left-arm spinner broke the opening partnership by dismissing Smriti Mandhana for 37.

Gunalan Kamalini fell for three runs at 85, with Shanjida Akter Meghla taking the wicket. Shafali then took control of the innings alongside Harmanpreet.

Harmanpreet was dismissed for 40 by Rabeya Khan at 179, before Richa Ghosh fell for two to Marufa Akter in the following over.

Shafali needed two runs from the final over to complete her century. She reached 99 with a single off the fourth delivery before hitting her ninth six off the final ball to complete her century from 49 balls.

Chasing the target of 196 runs, Bangladesh lost three wickets for 38 runs inside the powerplay. Apart from opener Dilara Akter, four of the first five batters were dismissed for single-digit scores.

Dilara top-scored with 27 before her dismissal left Bangladesh at 49 for five. The remaining five wickets fell for another 26 runs, with Sultana Khatun unbeaten on 12 and Sharmin Akter scoring 10.

Nandani Sharma and Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets each for India, while Shree Charani took two.

Bangladesh had also lost to India in the semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup earlier this month.

Sri Lanka’s eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the first semi-final means India and Sri Lanka will meet in the Asian Games final, while Bangladesh will face Pakistan in the bronze-medal match on Tuesday (22 September).