Women's Asia Cup 2026: 'We'll Watch Pakistan-Sri Lanka Game To Strategise Better For Final,' Says Deepti

Women's Asia Cup 2026: India Reach Final After Beating Bangladesh

Dubai: India booked their spot in the Women's Asia Cup final after a solid 40-run win over Bangladesh in the first semifinal at the Dubai International Stadium. The 7-time champions will now face either Pakistan or defending champions Sri Lanka in the title clash.

Deepti's 3 Wickets Shine

Spinner Deepti Sharma led the bowling charge, returning figures of 3/26 after India posted 149/6. Her disciplined spell helped restrict Bangladesh to 109/7 in their 20 overs. Nandani Sharma added 2/0, with Shree Charani and Prema Rawat taking one wicket each.

Top with the Bat

Shafali Verma's attacking 64 off 40 balls—featuring 4 boundaries and 3 sixes—powered India to a competitive total on the slow Dubai surface. Smriti Mandhana's early dismissal was covered well, with Richa Ghosh's quick 21 off 16 and Harmanpreet Kaur's unbeaten 24 ensuring India crossed the line comfortably.

Strategising for the Final

Deepti said the team will watch the second semifinal (Pakistan vs Sri Lanka) to plan their approach. "After this game, we'll sit together tomorrow, and we will see tomorrow's game; that will help us to do more strategy towards the finals."

When asked if India would prefer Pakistan or Sri Lanka, Deepti kept it team-focused: "The team doesn't take any team lightly. Doesn't matter—maybe Sri Lanka, Pakistan, or whoever comes in the final. We always think as a team about how we can do better in each and every game."

Addressing Fielding Concerns

Acknowledging some fielding lapses in the semifinal, Deepti backed her side: "As a team in fielding, we have been doing excellent work in training. I think it's a day here or a day there; it happens. But we are always up for the finals as a team in all three departments."

Source: IANS

Source: Cricketnmore