Hello and welcome to the coverage of the Asian Games 2026 women’s cricket semifinal between India and Bangladesh at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
Defending champions India made a strong start to their title defence, brushing aside hosts Japan by eight wickets on Friday, September 18, 206.
Chasing a modest target, India romped home with 15 overs to spare, underlining their control of the contest.
Bangladesh entered the semifinal after their quarterfinal against China was abandoned because of a wet outfield. They were awarded a place in the last four on the basis of their higher ICC ranking.
India will enter the match with a strong record against the neighbours. They have won their last nine meetings, including a 40-run victory in the Asia Cup last week.
The winners will take on Sri Lanka in the final, who defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the first semifinal.
Bangladesh’s most recent T20I win over India came three years ago.
India’s bowlers also showed good form against Japan.
Left-arm spinner Shree Charani continued her impressive run from the Asia Cup, while Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma and returning all-rounder Shreyanka Patil also contributed with the ball. Patil was playing her first match after a three-month injury absence.
Shafali then finished the chase almost single-handedly, while senior batters Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur were rested from batting duties.
Both are expected to return against Bangladesh. The visitors will rely on spinners Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan to challenge India’s aggressive top order.
India will start as the more experienced side, but they will be keen to avoid complacency in a knockout match.
Squads:
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), G Kamalini (Wicketkeeper), Shreyanka Patil, Bharti Fulmali, Shree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Nandni Sharma.
Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana (Captain), Nahida Akter (Vice-Captain), Dilara Akter, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Trisna, Juairiya Ferdous, Marufa Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Sarmin Sultana, Sharmin Akhter, Shorna Akter, Sultana Khatun
Match starts 10:30 am IST.
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