Bangladesh bow out of Asia Cup after 40-run defeat to India

Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the final of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup ended with a 40-run defeat to India in the first semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Batting first after Bangladesh won the toss, India posted 149 for six in their 20 overs. Shafali Verma top-scored with a blistering 64 off 40 balls, while Harmanpreet Kaur made an unbeaten 24 and Richa Ghosh contributed 21.

Bangladesh struggled in the chase and managed 109 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Deepti Sharma was the pick of India’s bowlers, taking three wickets, while Bangladesh’s top scorers were Dilara Akter with 21 and Shorna Akter, who remained unbeaten on 22.

The victory sent India into a record 10th Women’s Asia Cup final.

They will face the winner of the second semi-final between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the title clash.