New Delhi: Shafali Verma produced a match-winning batting display as India secured a place in the Women’s Asia Cup final with a comfortable 40-run victory over Bangladesh in Dubai.
Batting first on a slow surface, India struggled to score freely but reached 149 for five in their 20 overs. Shafali stood apart from the rest of the batting lineup, smashing 64 from just 40 deliveries at a strike rate of 160. Her innings included three sixes and several attacking strokes against both pace and spin.
The opener was given three lives, being dropped on 6, 11 and 56, and Bangladesh were made to pay heavily for those missed opportunities.
India made a steady start, reaching 45 for one during the powerplay, but found it difficult to accelerate during the middle overs. Pratika Rawal contributed 20 from 24 balls, while Richa Ghosh added a useful 21 from 16. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 24 from 28 balls and finished the innings strongly with two sixes.
Bangladesh needed a strong start in the chase but were unable to build any significant momentum. Opener Dilara Akter scored 21 from 26 balls, while Juairiya Ferdous made 14 from 18. Both were dismissed while attempting aggressive shots towards mid wicket.
India’s spinners then took control of the chase. Deepti Sharma was the pick of the attack with three wickets for 26 runs, while Shree Charani and Prema Rawat claimed one wicket each.
Bangladesh finished on 109 for seven in their 20 overs, never seriously threatening the target.
India, the most successful team in the Women’s Asia Cup with seven titles, will now face either Pakistan or Sri Lanka in Sunday’s final as they look to add another trophy to their impressive record.
