Asia Cup Semi-Finals: Tigresses set India a target of 81 runs

In the semi-finals of the Women's Asia Cup, the Bangladesh girls set a modest target of 81 runs for India. Bangladesh managed to score only 80 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. To reach the final, Nigar Sultana Jyoti's team will need to bowl with great discipline.

Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat in Dambulla on Friday. However, this decision quickly proved to be problematic as the Bangladeshi batters struggled. They could not establish any significant partnerships, losing 5 wickets for just 33 runs. The top order, including Dilara Akhtar, Murshida Khatun, Ishma Tanjim, Rumana Akhtar, Rabeya Khan, and Rita Moni, all failed to make an impact.

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 for the first time in this year's Asia Cup, caught by Deepti Sharma off Radha Yadav. Swarna Akhtar remained unbeaten with 19 runs off 18 balls.

Bangladesh's innings concluded at 80 runs, with Renuka Singh and Radha Yadav each taking 3 wickets for India. The Bangladesh team will now have to rely on their bowlers to defend this low total and secure a place in the final.