Bangladesh sealed the final semi-final spot in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 with a 34-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Tuesday, setting up a last-four clash against India.

Bangladesh defended a modest total of 103 for seven before restricting the UAE to 69 for nine. The result completed the semi-final line-up, with Pakistan set to face defending champions Sri Lanka in the other knockout match. (icc)

Bangladesh Survive Batting Struggles Against UAE

Bangladesh were sent in to bat but found it difficult to build momentum and eventually finished on 103 for seven in their 20 overs.

Sharmin Akhter was the leading scorer with 38 off 31 balls, while captain Nigar Sultana contributed 23 from 28 deliveries.

Bangladesh found themselves in trouble at 55 for six before Nahida Akter helped revive the innings. She scored 16 and shared a 42-run seventh-wicket partnership with Sharmin to give Bangladesh a more competitive total.

Suraksha Kotte was the standout bowler for the UAE, finishing with figures of three wickets for 11 runs from her four overs. (icc)

Bangladesh Bowlers Shut Down UAE Chase

Bangladesh’s bowlers ensured that the UAE could not build momentum in the chase, striking regularly to keep the hosts under pressure throughout the innings.

The UAE finished on 69 for nine after 20 overs, falling 34 runs short of the target.

Rabeya Khan led Bangladesh’s bowling effort with three wickets for 14 runs. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter took two wickets each, with Nahida following her useful contribution with the bat by returning figures of two for 18. (icc)

The victory came after Bangladesh’s earlier defeat to Sri Lanka and ensured their progress to the knockout stage as the second-placed side from Group B.

India-Bangladesh Semi-Final Set For Thursday

India, who topped Group A after winning all three of their league matches, will take on Bangladesh in the first semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, September 10.

The match is scheduled to begin at 8 pm IST.

Pakistan will face Group B toppers and defending champions Sri Lanka in the second semi-final at the same venue on Friday, September 11, also at 8 pm IST.

Bangladesh Face Unbeaten India Challenge

Bangladesh will now face an India side that has been unbeaten in the tournament so far.

India registered a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan after bowling their rivals out for just 55.

Smriti Mandhana has been among India’s leading performers in the competition. She struck 124 off 64 balls against Hong Kong in India’s 137-run victory, an innings that also made her the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket. (The Times of India)

India’s bowling attack has also produced notable milestones, with Deepti Sharma becoming the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is after going past Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong.

Shafali Verma, meanwhile, became the youngest and fastest player to reach 3,000 runs in Women’s T20Is.

Pakistan To Take On Defending Champions Sri Lanka

Pakistan secured their place in the semi-finals after beating Hong Kong by 72 runs in their final group-stage match.

They will now face an unbeaten Sri Lankan side that defeated Bangladesh by four wickets during the group stage and finished at the top of Group B.

With Bangladesh completing the four-team line-up, the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 has entered its knockout stage, with India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan remaining in contention for the title. (icc)

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share