Bangladesh’s Women's T20 Asia Cup campaign ended in a 40-run defeat to India in the semi-final in Dubai with marred by a dismal fielding performance that allowed their opponents to post an insurmountable total.
Chasing India's 149 for 6, the Tigresses could only manage 109 for 7 in their 20 overs. Openers Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter showed early positive intent but the introduction of spin drastically slowed the scoring rate.
Captain Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary attempted to rebuild with a 31-run partnership but the mounting required run rate eventually forced a middle-order collapse and spearheaded by Indian spinner Deepti Sharma.
However the foundation for Bangladesh’s defeat was laid during the first innings. Despite an impressive opening spell from pacer Marufa Akter and off-spinner Sultana Khatun creating early breakthroughs, Bangladesh's fielders repeatedly faltered. Indian opener Shafali Verma capitalized on four dropped catches spared on 6, 11, 50 and 56 to smash a match-winning 64 off 40 balls. These crucial reprieves allowed Verma to anchor the innings and push India to a formidable total, even as other Indian batters struggled on the slow pitch.
While the Indian side was equally sloppy in the field, dropping four catches of their own and Bangladesh lacked a power-hitter like Verma to punish those mistakes. The defeat leaves Bangladesh to rue their missed opportunities India marches on to their sixth consecutive Asia Cup final.
