India secured a spot in the final of the Women's Asia Cup after defeating Bangladesh by a significant margin in the semi-finals held in Sri Lanka. Harmanpreet Kaur's team chased down the modest target of 81 runs without losing a wicket, achieving victory with 54 balls to spare. They will face either Pakistan or Sri Lanka in the final.
Bangladesh, who won the Women's Asia Cup title in 2018 by defeating India, could not replicate their past success this time. The Bangladeshi team struggled, managing to score only 80 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs after opting to bat first in Dambulla on Friday.
The top order collapsed, with Bangladesh losing 5 wickets for just 33 runs. The two openers, Dilara Akhtar and Murshida Khatun, along with Ishma Tanjim, Rumana Akhtar, Rabeya Khan, and Rita Moni, failed to establish any significant partnerships.
Captain Nigar Sultana and Swarna Akhtar provided some resistance, putting together a 36-run partnership off 35 balls for the sixth wicket. Nigar Sultana scored 32 runs off 51 balls before being dismissed, caught by Deepti Sharma off Radha Yadav. Swarna Akhtar remained unbeaten on 19 runs off 18 balls. Despite their efforts, Bangladesh's innings concluded at 80 runs.
In response, Indian openers Shefali Verma and Smriti Mandhana made light work of the chase. Shefali scored 26 runs off 28 balls, while Smriti Mandhana played aggressively, scoring 55 runs off 39 balls, including her third T20 half-century. Their partnership ensured India reached the target in just 11 overs.
Renuka Singh and Radha Yadav were the standout bowlers for India, each taking 3 wickets.