Seven-time champion India will start as the overwhelming favourite against Bangladesh in the first semifinal of the Women’s Asia Cup here on Thursday.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s side has been in imperious form throughout the tournament, topping Group A after winning all its matches, and is heavily favoured to march one step closer to another continental title triumph.
India’s campaign so far has been highlighted by dominant displays, none more so than the clinical group-stage thrashing of traditional rivals Pakistan, which it skittled for just 55 before romping to a seven-wicket victory.
The batting unit wears a formidable look. The incredible Smriti Mandhana enters this crucial fixture high on confidence after her exploits earlier in the tournament, highlighted by a belligerent 64-ball 124 against Hong Kong that further cemented her status as one of the game’s premier modern-day batters.
Alongside the senior pro, explosive opener Shafali Verma — who recently became the youngest and fastest to cross the 3,000-run milestone in Women’s T20 Internationals — has provided blistering starts, putting opposition attacks on the back foot inside the PowerPlay.
The middle order, anchored by skipper Harmanpreet and hard-hitting wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, offers both stability and late-innings firepower.
On the bowling front, India possesses immense variety and depth.
The ever-consistent Deepti Sharma, who recently etched her name in the record books as the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20 Internationals, continues to spin a web around opposition batters alongside the clever variations of Shree Charani.
In contrast, Bangladesh’s path to the final four has required resilience.
Nigar Sultana’s side secured its semifinal berth with a 34-run victory over the UAE. But the contest exposed its batting frailties as it slumped to 55 for 6 before recovering through gritty knocks from Sharmin Akhter and the skipper herself.
For Bangladesh to challenge the tournament heavyweight, its top order must fire against a probing Indian pace and spin attack.
Bowlers like Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, and Marufa Akter will need to rely on discipline to contain India’s aggressive stroke-makers.
Though history and current form heavily favour the all-conquering Indian outfit, this format often thrives on unpredictability, and Harmanpreet’s side will not take their opponents lightly.
Published on Sep 09, 2026