Shafali Verma’s 64 Powers India Women Into the Asia Cup 2026 Final

India’s women just booked themselves another Asia Cup final — and they didn’t need a nail-biter to get there. A 40-run win over Bangladesh in Dubai settled the first semi-final well before the last over.

Shafali Sets the Tone

Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl first on September 10, and it didn’t go their way. Shafali Verma took the game away from them early, smashing 64 off just 40 balls with seven fours and three sixes. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur backed her up with an unbeaten 24, and Richa Ghosh chipped in a brisk 21 off 16 to push India to 149 for 6 in their 20 overs — a total that looked well above par once the chase got underway.

Deepti Sharma Shuts the Door

Bangladesh never really got the chase going. Shorna Akter fought hardest, finishing unbeaten on 22, while Nigar Sultana made 19 and Dilara Akter added 21 — but none of it built into real momentum. Deepti Sharma was the difference-maker with the ball, taking 3 for 26 off her four overs and breaking up every partnership that threatened to form. Bangladesh finished at 109 for 7, comfortably short of India’s total.

What’s Next

The win sends India through to the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final, where they’ll face whoever comes out of the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan semi-final. On this form — a top-order that can win the game in the powerplay and a bowling attack that closes it out just as fast — India will go in as the side to beat.

Match details and scorecard via ESPN Cricinfo.