India Reach Final After Beating Bangladesh by 114 Runs

Defending champions India Women secured their place in the final of the Asian Games after defeating Bangladesh Women by a massive 114-run margin in the second semi-final.

After winning the toss at Koroji Sports Park in Nishin, Japan, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first. Powered by a sensational century from Shafali Verma, India posted a formidable total of 195 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 81 runs in 15.4 overs as they struggled against India’s outstanding bowling attack.

Batting first, India’s opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma began aggressively from the very start. Mandhana was dismissed for 37 off 19 balls, but Shafali continued her assault on the Bangladesh bowlers from the other end. She remained at the crease and smashed a brilliant 100 off 49 balls, including three fours and nine sixes. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also made a valuable contribution, scoring 40 off 33 balls.

For Bangladesh, Sanjida Akter Meghla (1/25), Marufa Akter (1/43), Nahida Akter (1/48) and Rabeya Khan (1/35) picked up one wicket each.

Chasing a daunting target of 196, Bangladesh kept losing wickets at regular intervals under relentless pressure from the Indian attack. Opener Dilara Akter top-scored with 27 off 23 balls. Apart from Sultana Khatun, who scored 12, and Sharmin Akter, who made 10, none of the other Bangladesh batters managed to reach double figures. Juwairiya Ferdous, Rabeya Khan and Sanjida Akter were dismissed for ducks as Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for just 81.

Bangladesh’s batters had no answer to India’s combination of spin and pace. Off-spinner Deepti Sharma was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming three wickets for just seven runs in 2.4 overs. Pacer Nandini Sharma also took three wickets, conceding 25 runs in her four overs. Sri Charani chipped in with two wickets for seven runs.