Dropped catches bring Bangladesh’s Asia Cup campaign to an end

After suffering a narrow defeat to Sri Lanka in the group stage and reaching the semi-finals as Group B runners-up, Bangladesh faced a far tougher test against India. They were unable to clear the final hurdle, going down by 40 runs to exit the Women’s Asia Cup at the semi-final stage.

At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty won the toss and chose to bowl first. The decision looked promising early on when off-spinner Sultana Khatun dismissed India opener Smriti Mandhana, the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket, for just two runs in the opening over.

However, Bangladesh’s fielding soon let them down as they missed several chances. Shafali Verma was dropped twice—first on six runs off Sultana’s bowling at long-on and later off Marufa’s delivery at mid-on. The Indian opener capitalised on the reprieves, smashing a 35-ball half-century before being dismissed for 64 off 40 balls. Her innings featured seven fours and three sixes.

India finished their 20 overs on 149 for five. Sultana Khatun was Bangladesh’s leading bowler with two wickets for 30 runs, while Marufa, Rabeya and Nahida claimed one wicket each.

Bangladesh required 150 runs at a rate of 7.50 an over but struggled to keep pace from the beginning of their chase. India’s off-spinner Deepti Sharma led the attack with three wickets for 26 runs, while pacer Nandini took two for 12 as Bangladesh failed to establish a strong partnership or build momentum.

Bangladesh eventually ended their innings at 109 for seven after 20 overs. Shorna remained unbeaten on 22 from 18 balls, hitting a four and a six, while Dilara contributed 21 off 26 deliveries.

The 40-run defeat ended Bangladesh’s Women’s Asia Cup campaign in the semi-finals.