Defending champions China scored twice in extra-time to book a blockbuster semi-final with hosts Australia at the Women's Asian Cup after a tense 2-0 win over Taiwan on Saturday.

Australia coach Joe Montemurro said Friday's 2-1 victory over North Korea had given them the belief to go on and win the Women's Asian Cup for the first time in 16 years after securing their place at next year's World Cup.

The national team will feel the impact most, as the tournament could have offered valuable preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales in June–July.

North Korea pledged Thursday there will be no more sideline protests during their Women's Asian Cup quarterfinal with Australia after causing a stir against China.

Bangladesh captain Afeida Khandaker spoke to The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman about the AFC Women's Asian Cup experience and what lies ahead.

“At times, it feels like a boxer entering a fight with one arm tied behind his back," Bangladesh coach Butler said after Uzbekistan clash.

In the other match in Group B, Uzbekistan thrashed tournament debutants Bangladesh 4-0 to keep their hopes alive of reaching the knockout rounds as one of the two best third-placed teams.

Peter Butler-coached team responded strongly towards the end of the half, mounting sustained pressure and creating a couple of promising opportunities.

Butler has also brought back experienced defender Sheuli Azim in place of Nabiran Khatun, while Tohura Khatun returns to the lineup, replacing fellow forward Shamsunnahar Junior.

Uzbekistan suffered consecutive 3-0 defeats to defending champions China PR and DPR Korea.

US-based Reza Pahlavi lent his voice to a growing chorus calling for Australia to offer the women asylum, joining politicians, human rights activists, and even "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling.

Club cricket crisis in Bangladesh further deepened yesterday after nine women’s first division clubs sent a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), asking for the Dhaka First Division Women’s Cricket League to be postponed to next year.

Debutant Bangladesh are set to face Uzbekistan, the side closest to the women in red and green in terms of rankings in their group, in a Group B encounter of the AFC Women's Asian Cup at the Perth Rectangular Stadium today, with a number of achievements in sight.

The two teams finished on seven points apiece in Group A with the Koreans topping the pool on goal difference.

Long before she played a key role in Bangladesh securing the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship in Thailand earlier this year, the teenage goalkeeper from Mymensingh had already become a phenomenon on rural football grounds.

For many years, women’s involvement in cricket in Bangladesh was largely confined to playing on the field. Recently, however, a new pathway has emerged as women step into officiating roles, proving that their contribution to the sport can extend further.

The one-sided romp left Japan top of Group C with a maximum six points having beaten Taiwan 2-0 to start their title bid.

Bangladesh's women’s football team suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to a dominant DPR Korea side in their second Group B match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Sydney on Friday. The loss was a harsh reminder of the vast gap between Bangladesh and Asia’s top footballing nations, echoing a similar defeat nine years ago.

“We played an absolutely fantastic team today, probably one of the best, if not the best, in Asian football," said the Bangladesh coach.

Linu becomes the 15th sportsperson to receive the honour.