Bangladesh overcame a spirited bowling effort from UAE to win by 34 runs and seal their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Asia Cup.
Put in to bat, Bangladesh were in serious trouble at 55 for 6 after UAE’s bowlers made early inroads. Suraksha Kotte led the attack with three wickets for 11 runs whereas Indhuja Nandakumar picked up two wickets.
Bangladesh were rescued by a crucial 42-run partnership between Sharmin Akhter and Nahida Akter. Sharmin top-scored with 38 off 31 balls, hitting three fours, while Nahida contributed 16* off 26 as the pair helped Bangladesh recover and cross the 100-run mark. Bangladesh eventually finished on 103 for 7 in their 20 overs.
UAE’s chase got off to a difficult start as Bangladesh immediately applied pressure with the ball. Marufa Akter opened the bowling and struck early before Bangladesh’s spinners got into the act.
Nahida Akter was particularly effective, finishing with two wickets for 18 runs. Rabeya Khan chipped in with three wickets as UAE could only get to 69 for 9 from their 20 overs.
Bangladesh will now face India in the first semi-final. Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the other semi-final.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 103/7 (Sharmin Akhter 38; Suraksha Kotte 3-11) beat UAE 69/9 in 20 overs (Heena Hotchandani 18; Rabeya Khan 3-14) by 34 runs
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