Dropped chances prove costly as Bangladesh exit Asia Cup

Bangla Press Desk:  After losing a winnable match against Sri Lanka in the group stage and advancing to the semi-finals as Group B runners-up, Bangladesh faced a much tougher challenge against India. They failed to overcome that hurdle, losing by 40 runs to bow out of the Women’s Asia Cup.

At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty won the toss and opted to field. The decision initially appeared to pay off when off-spinner Sultana Khatun dismissed Smriti Mandhana, the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket, for just two runs in the first over.However, Bangladesh soon began wasting opportunities in the field. Shafali Verma was dropped twice—on six runs off Sultana’s bowling at long-on and again off Marufa’s bowling at mid-on. The Indian opener made full use of the reprieve, reaching her half-century off 35 balls before eventually being dismissed for 64 off 40 deliveries. Her innings included seven fours and three sixes.

India posted 149 for five in their 20 overs. Sultana was Bangladesh’s most successful bowler, taking two wickets for 30 runs. Marufa, Rabeya and Nahida each claimed one wicket.

Chasing 150, Bangladesh needed to score at 7.50 runs per over. But they fell behind during the powerplay and never recovered. India’s off-spinner Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets for 26 runs, while pacer Nandini took two for 12 as Bangladesh struggled to build a meaningful chase.

Bangladesh eventually finished on 109 for seven in their 20 overs. Shorna remained unbeaten on 22 off 18 balls, hitting one four and one six, while Dilara scored 21 off 26 deliveries.

The 40-run defeat brought Bangladesh’s Women’s Asia Cup campaign to an end in the semi-finals.