India Favourites Against Bangladesh In Asia Cup Semifinal
Seven-time champions India will start as overwhelming favourites when they face Bangladesh in the first semifinal of the Women’s Asia Cup on Thursday, with Harmanpreet Kaur’s side looking to continue their dominant run and move closer to another continental title.
India topped Group A after winning all their matches and enter the India vs Bangladesh semifinal with considerable confidence, having produced several commanding performances throughout the tournament.
India Women’s Asia Cup Campaign
India have been in imperious form in the Women’s Asia Cup, with their biggest statement coming against Pakistan.
The Indian spinners dismantled Pakistan for just 55, their lowest-ever total in T20 Internationals, before Harmanpreet’s side completed a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
The batting line-up has also provided plenty of reasons for optimism.
Smriti Mandhana enters the semifinal in outstanding form after smashing 124 from 64 balls against Hong Kong, while Shafali Verma has continued to provide explosive starts at the top of the order.
The middle order, led by Harmanpreet and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, provides a combination of stability and attacking ability.
India vs Bangladesh Semifinal
India’s bowling attack possesses plenty of variety, with Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav and Shree Charani providing a formidable spin combination.
Deepti recently became the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20 Internationals and remains one of India’s most reliable performers.
Renuka Singh has also impressed with the new ball, giving India an additional threat during the powerplay.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, have had to work considerably harder to reach the last four.
Nigar Sultana’s team secured their semifinal place with a 34-run victory over the UAE, although their batting struggled before Sharmin Akhter and the skipper helped them recover from 55 for six.
Bangladesh Women’s Asia Cup Challenge
Bangladesh will need a major improvement from their top order against India’s experienced bowling attack.
Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter and Marufa Akter will also face a demanding task against India’s aggressive batters and will need to maintain discipline throughout their spells.
Nigar Sultana’s leadership and Bangladesh’s ability to absorb pressure could prove crucial if they are to challenge the tournament favourites.
India Eye Women’s Asia Cup Final
India remain the most successful side in Women’s Asia Cup history with seven titles.
Sri Lanka are the defending champions, while Bangladesh won the competition in 2018. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have each won the tournament once since its inaugural edition in 2004.
Despite India’s overwhelming advantage in form and tournament history, Harmanpreet’s side will be wary of Bangladesh’s ability to produce an upset in a high-pressure knockout match.
The semifinal will begin at 8pm IST.
