India power into Asia Cup final after dominant semi‑final display

India booked their place in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final with a commanding 40‑run victory over Bangladesh in Dubai, overcoming early batting struggles on a difficult surface. Asked to bat first, India lost Smriti Mandhana cheaply but capitalised on Bangladesh’s fielding lapses as Shafali Verma punished two dropped chances and accelerated with a flurry of boundaries. Her 64 off 40 anchored the innings, while late hitting from Richa Ghosh, Harmanpreet Kaur and a sharp cameo from Deepti Sharma lifted India to 149 for six.

Bangladesh began positively through Juairiya Ferdous and Dilara Akter, yet India’s spinners quickly tightened control. Deepti led the charge with a superb 3 for 26, extending her tournament tally to eleven wickets. As the required rate soared, Bangladesh’s resistance faded, with Nigar Sultana Joty’s brief counterattack ending in the 15th over. Nandani Sharma closed out the match with consecutive wickets, sealing India’s dominant path to today’s final.