Defending champions India cruised past Bangladesh to win by 10 wickets in the first semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024 in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Chasing just 81 runs, India restricted Bangladesh to 80/8 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma dominated from the start, reaching 46/0 in the powerplay and finishing the chase in 11 overs with 54 balls to spare. Mandhana scored an unbeaten 55 off 39 balls, while Verma contributed 26 off 28.
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and opted to bat, but her team struggled against India’s bowlers. Renuka Singh’s opening spell was particularly devastating, as she took 3/10 in four overs, including one maiden. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav also shone with 3/14, while Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma each claimed one wicket.
Bangladesh, who had previously stunned India in the 2018 final to win their only major cricket title, couldn’t replicate their past success. India’s victory sets up a final against the winner of the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka semi-final, scheduled for later in the day. The final will be played on Sunday, also in Dambulla.
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