Indian Women's Cricket Team Advances to Gold Medal Match at Asian Games 2026

India Secures Spot in Gold Medal Match

The Indian women's cricket team has successfully reached the gold medal match at the Asian Games 2026, following a decisive 114-run victory over Bangladesh in the semi-finals on Sunday.

Bangladesh Bowled Out for Just 81 Runs

In pursuit of a target set at 196 runs, Bangladesh was dismissed for a mere 81 runs in just 15.4 overs, showcasing India's bowlers' exceptional performance.

Bangladesh's innings began poorly, with opener Juairiya Ferdous falling for a golden duck, bowled by Indian pacer Nandini Sharma on the second ball of the second over. The situation worsened as fast bowler Kranti Gaud took out Sobhana Mostary for just 4 runs, leaving Bangladesh at a precarious 9/2.

After five overs, Bangladesh managed to reach 34/2, but leg-spinner Shree Charani struck again, dismissing Nigar Sultana for 9 runs in the sixth over. Spinner Shreyanka Patil then took out Shorna Akter for 5 runs, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 43/4 by the end of the seventh over.

Off-spinner Deepti Sharma made her mark by taking Dilara Akter for 27 runs in the tenth over, with Bangladesh at 53/5. Nandini Sharma then took two wickets in the 11th over, dismissing Nahida Akter for 4 and Rabeya Khan for a golden duck, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 56/7.

Shree Charani dismissed Sharmin Akhter for 10 runs in the 14th over, while Deepti Sharma wrapped up the innings by taking the last two wickets of Marufa Akter (5) and Shanjida Akter Meghla (0) in the 16th over. Ultimately, Bangladesh was bowled out for 81 runs.

Deepti Sharma (3/7) and Nandini Sharma (3/25) were the standout bowlers, each claiming three wickets and dismantling the Bangladesh batting order. With this significant victory, India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, secured their place in the women's cricket final against Sri Lanka, aiming for gold after winning it in the previous edition.

Shafali Verma's Historic Century

Earlier in the match, India set a formidable target of 195 runs against Bangladesh, largely thanks to a remarkable maiden T20I century from opener Shafali Verma. Verma's performance was pivotal as she scored a commanding hundred, taking full advantage of the favorable batting conditions and short boundaries.

Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur also contributed significantly, with Kaur scoring 40 runs. Mandhana made a brisk 37 off 19 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes before being dismissed by Nahida Akter. Gunalan Kamalini added three runs before falling to Shanjida Akter Meghla.

Kaur's innings included six fours, and the Indian batters effectively utilized the short boundaries, maintaining pressure on the Bangladesh bowling attack throughout the innings. Despite Bangladesh's disciplined bowling and fielding, India finished strong with a total of 195 runs for the loss of four wickets.