India stormed into the gold-medal match of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after defeating Bangladesh by 114 runs in the semi-final at Nisshin. A sensational unbeaten century from Shafali Verma and three-wicket hauls from Nandani Sharma and Deepti Sharma helped India dominate the contest from start to finish. Batting first, India posted an imposing […]
India stormed into the gold-medal match of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after defeating Bangladesh by 114 runs in the semi-final at Nisshin. A sensational unbeaten century from Shafali Verma and three-wicket hauls from Nandani Sharma and Deepti Sharma helped India dominate the contest from start to finish.
Batting first, India posted an imposing 195 for 4 after 20 overs. Shafali produced a spectacular innings, smashing an unbeaten 100 from just 49 balls. Her knock included nine sixes and three fours, as she became the first Indian batter to score a white-ball international century in the match.
Bangladesh were then bowled out for just 81, with Dilara Akter’s 27 the highest individual score. Nandani Sharma claimed 3 for 25, while Deepti Sharma returned excellent figures of 3 for 7 to dismantle the Bangladesh batting lineup.
Shafali Verma Leads India’s Explosive Batting Display
India made a flying start after being asked to bat first. Shafali immediately attacked the Bangladesh bowlers, scoring 34 from her first 17 deliveries and setting the tempo for the innings.
She was joined by Smriti Mandhana, who scored a rapid 37 from 19 balls. Mandhana’s innings also saw her become the leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is.
The opening pair added 72 runs from 36 balls, giving India the platform for a huge total.
Mandhana eventually departed, while G Kamalini and Richa Ghosh were unable to make significant contributions. Richa was dismissed for just two, leaving India needing another substantial partnership.
Harmanpreet Kaur Provides Valuable Support
Harmanpreet Kaur came in at No. 4 and initially struggled to find her timing. However, she gradually settled before finishing with a valuable 40 from 33 balls.
Harmanpreet and Shafali completely changed the momentum during their partnership. The pair added 94 runs from 55 balls for the third wicket, putting India firmly in control.
With Shafali continuing to find the boundary regularly, India crossed the 190-run mark. She reached her century from the final ball of the innings, completing a memorable 49-ball hundred.
India finished on 195 for 4, leaving Bangladesh with a daunting target and the task of producing a record chase to reach the final.
Bangladesh Struggle Against India’s Bowlers
Bangladesh’s chase never gathered momentum.
Dilara Akter provided some resistance at the top of the order, scoring 27, but her opening partner Juairiya Ferdous was dismissed for a duck.
India’s new-ball attack quickly put Bangladesh under pressure. Nandani Sharma struck in the second over before Kranti Gaud delivered another blow in the third.
Shree Charani then dismissed Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana during the final over of the powerplay, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 38 for 3.
The Bangladesh middle order could not build the partnership required to challenge India’s massive target. Their batters found it increasingly difficult to score against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
Nandani and Deepti Complete India’s Rout
Nandani Sharma returned to the attack and produced another decisive spell. Her double-wicket 11th over exposed Bangladesh’s lower order and effectively ended any realistic hope of a comeback.
Deepti Sharma then finished the job in style.
She trapped Marufa Akter lbw before dismissing Sanjida Akter in the 16th over, completing her three-wicket haul.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 81, handing India a comprehensive 114-run victory.
Sultana Khatun was Bangladesh’s second-highest scorer with only 12 runs, highlighting India’s dominance with the ball.
India Set Up Gold-Medal Clash With Sri Lanka
The victory sends India into the 2026 Asian Games women’s cricket final, where they will face Sri Lanka for the gold medal.
The final will be a repeat of the 2023 Asian Games gold-medal match, giving India another opportunity to compete for the top prize against Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will face Pakistan in the bronze-medal fixture.
With Shafali Verma producing a record-setting unbeaten century and India’s bowlers combining effectively to dismiss Bangladesh for 81, India will enter the gold-medal match with considerable momentum.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Result |
| India | 195/4 | Won by 114 runs |
| Bangladesh | 81 | Lost |
India’s key performers: Shafali Verma 100*, Harmanpreet Kaur 40, Smriti Mandhana 37; Nandani Sharma 3/25, Deepti Sharma 3/7.
Next fixtures: India vs Sri Lanka — Gold-medal match; Bangladesh vs Pakistan — Bronze-medal match.
