Bangladesh's Asia Cup dream ends with semi-final defeat against India

India have reached the final of the Women's T20 Asia Cup after beating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the semi-final. Chasing a target of 150, Bangladesh scored 109 runs for seven wickets in their stipulated 20 overs. Shorna Akter top-scored with 22 runs, while Dilara Akter made the second-highest score of 21. Bangladesh ultimately could not get close to victory against India's disciplined bowling. With this defeat, Bangladesh had to exit from the semi-final, while India confirmed their ticket to the final with the win.

Yet the start was good. Bangladesh scored 26 runs in 5.3 overs. Then Juyairia fell to Shree Charani's delivery, breaking the opening partnership. Bangladesh also lost their second wicket at 35 runs, with Dilara Akter dismissed by Deepti Sharma.

After that, the partnership between Nigar and Sobhana Mostary brought some relief. At the end of 14 overs, Bangladesh's score stood at 73 for three. That meant they needed 77 runs from the last six overs to win. But it was there that Bangladesh lost wickets quickly and were knocked out of the match.

After Sobhana was bowled by Deepti Sharma, Nigar was out in the very next over to Rawat's delivery. The Bangladesh captain scored 19 runs off 17 balls. Then Sharmin Akter also fell to Deepti for just 1 run. Fahima scored 14 runs late on, but that was not enough to save the team from defeat. After Fahima's dismissal in the 19.5th over, Rabea Khan was out hit-wicket off the last ball, and Bangladesh's innings ended at 109.

Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and sent India in to bat. Although they took wickets regularly at the start, they lost control of the match due to fielding errors. In particular, Shefali Verma was given four lives. Along with three dropped catches, Bangladesh also failed to capitalise on a run-out opportunity.

Capitalising on those chances, Shefali played a blistering innings of 64 runs off 40 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. Pratika Rawal scored 20 runs. Late on, Richa Ghosh's 21 off 16 balls and Harmanpreet Kaur's unbeaten 24 off 28 helped India reach 149 for six.

For Bangladesh, Sultana Khatun took two wickets, while Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter and Rabea Khan took one each.