India booked its place in a sixth consecutive Women’s Asia Cup final after securing a convincing 40-run victory over Bangladesh in the first semifinal of the 2026 tournament at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.
Shafali Verma starred with the bat, scoring her 20th T20I half-century as India set Bangladesh a target of 150. The Indian spinners then took control, restricting Bangladesh to 109 and sealing another appearance in the title clash.
India has now reached every Women’s Asia Cup final since the competition switched to the T20 format in 2012. During that period, the Women in Blue have won the tournament three times and finished runners-up on two occasions.
Shafali played the central role in India’s innings, although the 22-year-old benefited from three chances during her knock. She was given reprieves while batting on six, 11 and 56 and ensured Bangladesh paid for those missed opportunities.
She shared a 50-run partnership with Pratika Rawal before adding another 33 runs alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur, helping India build a competitive total.
Deepti Sharma then supplied some valuable late momentum. Her six-ball unbeaten cameo produced 13 runs, including a four and a six, before she made an even bigger contribution with the ball.
The all-rounder finished with three wickets for 26 runs from her four overs as Bangladesh struggled against India’s spin attack. Nandni Sharma claimed two wickets, while Prema Rawat and N. Shree Charani picked up one apiece.
Shree Charani also reached a significant personal milestone by taking her 50th T20I wicket. The dismissal took her to 35 wickets in the calendar year, equalling Poonam Yadav’s record for the most wickets by an Indian in a calendar year in the format.
India’s performance was not without problems, particularly in the field. Pratika dropped two catches, while Smriti Mandhana also missed an opportunity near the boundary.
Bangladesh, however, failed to capitalise on those errors and never seriously threatened to chase down India’s total.
Harmanpreet’s side will now face either defending champion Sri Lanka or Pakistan in Friday’s final. A Sri Lankan victory in the second semifinal would set up a repeat of the 2024 title clash.
With another commanding semifinal victory completed, India now stands one win away from adding another Women’s Asia Cup trophy to its collection.
