Shafali storm crushes Bangladesh, India march into final

Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the Asian Games women’s cricket final were ended in emphatic fashion as India cruised to a 114-run victory in Sunday’s second semifinal, with Shafali Verma’s unbeaten century setting up a one-sided contest at Korogi Sports Park.

Shafali smashed 100 off just 49 balls, hitting three fours and nine sixes, as India posted 195 for four after winning the toss and opting to bat. The total was the second-highest in the history of the Asian Games women’s cricket competition, while India’s 12 sixes were a record for a women’s T20I innings.

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Bangladesh never looked capable of mounting a serious chase, losing wickets regularly before being bowled out for 81 in 15.4 overs.

The damage was done early. Bangladesh slipped to 9 for two in the third over before captain Nigar Sultana was dismissed for nine at 38 for three. They were 43 for four by the end of the seventh over and 49 for five after 9.2 overs, effectively ending any hopes of an unlikely recovery.

Dilara Akter offered the most resistance with 27 off 23 balls, including four fours and a six, but Bangladesh’s lower order could not sustain the innings. Sultana Khatun finished unbeaten on 12 off eight balls, while Sharmin Akhter made 10 off 20.

India’s spinners then completed the job. Nandani Sharma and Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets apiece, while Shree Charani took two for seven from three overs.

Earlier, India’s innings revolved around Shafali’s remarkable hitting. She reached her fifty from just 24 balls before accelerating to her first T20I century in 49 deliveries. She added 72 with Smriti Mandhana, who made 37 off 19, and then shared a 94-run third-wicket stand with 

Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 40 off 33.

Bangladesh’s four wicket-takers were Marufa Akter, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Rabeya Khan and Nahida Akter, but India’s scoring rate proved too much to contain.

The defeat leaves Bangladesh with one final chance to return from the Games with a medal. 

They will face Pakistan in Tuesday’s bronze-medal match after Pakistan lost the first semi-final to Sri Lanka by eight wickets earlier on the day.