New Delhi: India’s women’s cricket team stormed into the gold medal match at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 after registering a dominant 114-run victory over Bangladesh in the semifinal on Sunday.
After posting 195/4 in their 20 overs, India bundled Bangladesh out for just 81 in 15.4 overs. The win booked Harmanpreet Kaur’s side a place in the final, where India will face Sri Lanka for the gold medal.
Shafali Verma Hits Maiden International Century
India’s imposing total was built around a spectacular century from opener Shafali Verma, who smashed her maiden century in white-ball internationals.
Verma led India’s batting charge as the top order made full use of the favourable conditions and short boundaries at the venue.
Smriti Mandhana contributed a quick 37 off 19 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored 40 off 33 deliveries, including six fours.
Gunalan Kamalini made three runs before being dismissed, while India’s aggressive approach helped them finish on 195/4.
India Bowlers Destroy Bangladesh Batting
Bangladesh’s chase got off to a disastrous start when Juairiya Ferdous was dismissed for a golden duck by Nandini Sharma in the second over.
Kranti Gaud then removed Sobhana Mostary for four, leaving Bangladesh at 9/2.
Shree Charani struck next, dismissing Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana for nine. Shreyanka Patil then removed Shorna Akter for five as Bangladesh slipped to 43/4 after seven overs.
Deepti Sharma provided another breakthrough by dismissing Dilara Akter for 27, before Nandini Sharma struck twice in the 11th over to remove Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan.
Bangladesh were reduced to 56/7, with the Indian bowling attack firmly in control.
Charani later dismissed Sharmin Akhter for 10, while Deepti Sharma completed the innings by removing Marufa Akter and Shanjida Akter Meghla.
Deepti Sharma, Nandini Sharma Take Three Wickets Each
Deepti Sharma finished with impressive figures of 3/7, while Nandini Sharma claimed 3/25.
Their combined six wickets played a major role in restricting Bangladesh to 81 runs in 15.4 overs.
India’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the chase and never allowed Bangladesh to build a meaningful partnership.
India To Face Sri Lanka In Gold Medal Match
With the emphatic semifinal victory, India have secured their place in the women’s cricket gold medal match at the Asian Games.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s team will now take on Sri Lanka in the final. India had won the women’s cricket gold medal at the previous edition of the Asian Games and will now look to retain the title in Aichi-Nagoya.
