India are into the finals of Women’s Asia Cup 2026 (Image: IANS)
The explosive opener smashed 64 off 40 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes, as she held India’s innings together after vice-captain Smriti Mandhana fell for just two. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur struggled for fluency but contributed 24 off 28 balls, including two sixes, while Richa Ghosh added an important 21 off 16 deliveries. Deepti Sharma then provided the late impetus with a quick 13 off six balls, helping India finish just short of 150. The seven-time champions will now await the winner of Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, with the final scheduled for September 13.
Shafali rode her luck after being dropped three times but made Bangladesh pay with an attacking knock that gave India a competitive total. India’s latest victory keeps their unbeaten campaign intact and sends them into yet another Asia Cup final.
India produced another dominant performance with bat and ball to beat Bangladesh by 40 runs and storm into the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. After posting 149/6 in their 20 overs, India’s bowlers delivered under pressure to restrict Bangladesh to 109/7, successfully defending what initially appeared to be a modest total on a slow pitch. They will face the winner of the second semi-final between defending champions Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the title clash on September 13.
The victory extended India’s unbeaten run in the tournament and secured their place in a 10th successive Women’s Asia Cup final.