Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Bangladesh booked a semi-final clash with India in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 after beating the United Arab Emirates by 34 runs in Dubai on Tuesday. Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the other last-four contest.
The win helped Bangladesh recover from their defeat to Sri Lanka and complete the semi-final line-up. India topped Group A, while Sri Lanka finished first in Group B.
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India will face Bangladesh in the first semi-final on Thursday, September 10, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the match scheduled for 8pm IST. Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka at the same venue on Friday, September 11, also at 8pm IST.
BANGLADESH OVERCOME UAE SCARE
Bangladesh were sent in to bat but struggled to build momentum, finishing on 103 for seven. Sharmin Akhter top-scored with 38 off 31 balls, while captain Nigar Sultana made 23 off 28.
Nahida Akter provided a crucial late boost, scoring 16 and sharing a 42-run seventh-wicket stand with Sharmin after Bangladesh slipped to 55 for six. She then returned with the ball to claim 4-0-18-2.
Marufa Akter continued her good form from the Sri Lanka game, taking two wickets for nine runs, while Rabeya Khan picked up three wickets. UAE’s Suraksha Kotte was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 4-0-11-3.
The UAE chase never got going as Bangladesh’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. The hosts finished on 69 for nine in 20 overs, handing Bangladesh the comprehensive victory and the final semi-final spot.
BANGLADESH IN FOR TOUGH CHALLENGE
Bangladesh now face a formidable India side that won all three of its group matches. India also produced a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan after bowling them out for just 55.
Smriti Mandhana has been among India’s standout performers, smashing 124 off 64 balls against Hong Kong in a 137-run win. Her innings also made her the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket.
Deepti Sharma became the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is, going past Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong. Shafali Verma also became the youngest and fastest to reach the landmark of 3000 runs in Women’s T20Is.
Pakistan, meanwhile, secured their semi-final place with a 72-run win over Hong Kong. They will face unbeaten Sri Lanka, who had earlier defeated Bangladesh by four wickets and are also the defending champions.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
