Asian Games 2026: The Indian women’s cricket team has secured a spot in the final of the Asian Games 2026 women’s cricket tournament by defeating Bangladesh by 114 runs in the second semi-final. Batting first, India posted a massive total of 195 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 20 overs. In response, the entire Bangladesh team was bowled out for 81 runs in 15.4 overs.
With this victory, India has guaranteed itself at least a silver medal and is now eyeing the gold. The Indian team will face Sri Lanka in the final, which is scheduled to be played on September 22.
Shafali Verma Scores a Magnificent Century
Shafali Verma was the standout performer of the Indian innings. Taking the Bangladeshi bowlers to the cleaners, she completed her century off just 49 balls, reaching the milestone with a single off the final ball. Her unbeaten innings included 3 fours and 9 sixes.
This marks Shafali Verma’s first century in white-ball cricket. She has also become the first player to score a century at the Asian Games.
For India, Smriti Mandhana scored 37 runs off 19 balls, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur played an innings of 40 runs off 33 balls. Kamalini scored 3 runs and Richa Ghosh scored 2. Bharti Fulmali remained unbeaten on 9.
For Bangladesh, Marufa Akter, Sanjida Akter, Rabeya Khan, and Nahida Akter claimed one wicket each.
Bangladesh Team Bundled Out for 81 Runs
Chasing a target of 196 runs, Bangladesh got off to a poor start. Juwairiya Firdous was dismissed without opening her account on the first ball of the second over. Subsequently, Indian bowlers maintained pressure on Bangladesh by taking wickets at regular intervals.
Dilara Akter scored 27 runs off 23 balls, including 4 fours and a six. Sharmin Akter scored 10 runs, and Sultana Khatun scored 12. Apart from them, no other batter could reach double figures.
For India, Nandini Sharma and Deepti Sharma bowled brilliantly, claiming three wickets each. Faced with the Indian bowling attack, the entire Bangladesh team was bowled out for 81 runs in 15.4 overs.
India vs. Sri Lanka Final on September 22
Sri Lanka advanced to the final by defeating Pakistan by eight wickets in the tournament’s first semi-final. Now, India and Sri Lanka will face off for the gold medal on September 22.
The winning team will receive the gold medal, while the losing team will take home the silver. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Bangladesh will compete for the bronze medal.
