India oust Bangladesh from Women`s Asia Cup semi-final

Bangladesh's aspirations of reaching the Women's Asia Cup final were extinguished following a costly 40-run defeat to India in the semi-final in Dubai, with four dropped catches proving decisive as India posted a formidable 149 for six.

Having won the toss, Bangladesh elected to bowl first, yet India recovered from an early setback to construct a competitive total. Sultana Khatun dismissed opener Smriti Mandhana in the second over; thereafter, however, Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawal forged a 50-run partnership for the second wicket. Shafali top-scored with a commanding 64, capitalising on no fewer than four reprieves, while Pratika Rawal contributed 20 and Deepti Sharma provided a late flourish of 13 off just six deliveries; Harmanpreet Kaur, meanwhile, remained unbeaten on 24. Sultana proved Bangladesh's most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 30 runs, while Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan each accounted for one wicket apiece.

Chasing 150 for victory, Bangladesh endured a sluggish start, losing Juwairia Ferdous for 14 before Dilara Akter departed for 21. Captain Nigar Sultana Jyoti and Sobhana Mostary subsequently sought to consolidate the innings; nevertheless, Sobhana fell for 18 and Jyoti could muster only 19, leaving Bangladesh mired in mounting difficulty. India's Deepti Sharma then tightened the screw with three crucial wickets, as Bangladesh ultimately finished on 109 for seven from their allotted 20 overs.

Read More: Asian Games cricket to begin on September 17

Late resistance from Sorna Akter, who struck an unbeaten 22, and Fahima Khatun, who chipped in with 14, served merely to narrow the margin of defeat rather than avert it. Earlier missteps in the field had, after all, allowed India to capitalise ruthlessly and post a challenging total; consequently, India secured a 40-run victory, thereby booking their place in the final, while Bangladesh's campaign drew to a close at the semi-final stage.