India have reached the 2026 Women’s T20 Asia Cup final after defeating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the semi final in Dubai on Thursday.
Batting first, India posted 149 for six at the Dubai International Stadium. Opener Shafali Verma led the charge with an attacking 64 off 40 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes.
Shafali was given three lives after Bangladesh dropped her catches, and she made the most of the opportunities to put India in a strong position. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also contributed with an unbeaten 24.
Bangladesh started their chase positively but struggled against India’s spinners. Shree Charani took one wicket, while experienced off spinner Deepti Sharma produced a crucial spell of 3 for 26 to break Bangladesh’s momentum.
Deepti also contributed with the bat, scoring 13 off six balls and helping India add important runs late in the innings alongside Richa Ghosh.
Bangladesh finished on 109 for seven, giving India a comfortable 40 run victory.
India, who are seven time Asia Cup champions, will now play the final on Sunday in Dubai. They will face either defending champions Sri Lanka or Pakistan, who meet in the second semi final on Friday.
