Women’s Asia Cup: Shafali Verma's 64 Propels India To 149/6 Against Bangladesh

By Pramit Meher

**WC: Women's Asia Cup SF1 – India 149/6 vs Bangladesh** Shafali Verma's quick-fire 64 (40b, 4x4, 6x6) fired India to 149/6 in their 20 overs against Bangladesh in the first semifinal of the 2026 Women's Asia Cup at Dubai. (Note: article says "New Delhi" but venue is Dubai Int'l Stadium – likely a typo in source.) On a slow, spinner-friendly deck, Shafali was sharp with shot selection, mostly attacking through the 'V' and reaching her 20th T20I fifty. She blended power with wristy bottomhand control and even an inventive reverse sweep. Bangladesh's fielding was sloppy – they dropped her on 6, 11 and 56 and missed a simple runout. ** innings flow:** - India started quiet; Marufa Akter went for just 7 in the 1st over. - Sultana Khatun struck in the 2nd, removing vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (2) after dropping a sitter off Shafali earlier. - Shafali answered with back-to-back sixes; Pratika Rawal and Deepti added a 50-run 2nd-wicket stand. - Harmanpreet Kaur (24*) survived a near-runout on her first ball, then hit her fifty off 35 before finishing 24 not out. - Richa Ghosh (21 off 16) gave late punch; Deepti Sharma hit a quick 13 off the final over before being caught. India finished 1 shy of 150. **Bowling for Bangladesh:** Sultana Khatun 2/30, Rabeya Khan 1/22. India fancy their chances to reach Sunday's final. Next up: the winner takes the trophy. *Source: IANS* Source: Cricketnmore