Shafali Verma scored a brisk 64 off 40 balls as India defeated Bangladesh by 40 runs to secure a spot in the Women's Asia Cup final.
Shafali Verma struck a stroke-filled 64 off 40 balls to propel India into another Women's Asia Cup final with a 40-run victory over Bangladesh on Thursday. On a slow pitch where most batters found run-scoring difficult, Verma stood out with a strike rate of 160, including three sixes off the spinners, as India posted 149 for six. The opener survived three dropped catches during her innings at 6, 11, and 56.
India's total was bolstered by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who finished unbeaten on 24 off 28 balls, along with useful contributions from Richa Ghosh (21 off 16) and Pratika Rawal (20 off 24). Bangladesh gave away four dropped catches in total during the innings, missing key chances to restrict India below the 120-run mark.
Defending 150, India restricted Bangladesh to 109 for 7 in 20 overs. Openers Dilara Akter (21 off 26) and Juairiya Ferdous (14 off 18) showed early intent for Bangladesh before both fell trying to clear the mid-wicket boundary, with Kranti Gaud taking a running catch to dismiss Akter.
India's spinners dominated the second innings, led by Deepti Sharma with 3 for 26, supported by Shree Charani (1 for 14) and Prema Rawat (1 for 21). Seven-time champions India will take on either Pakistan or Sri Lanka in the final scheduled for Sunday.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Sport. Photo courtesy The Hindu Sport.