Bangladesh Women secured their place in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-finals after defending a modest target to defeat hosts United Arab Emirates by 34 runs in a tense encounter.
Batting first, the Tigresses posted a total of 103 runs, a score that appeared sub-par by modern Twenty20 international standards. Sharmin Akhter provided the mainstay of the Bangladeshi innings, building a crucial 38 off 31 deliveries that featured three boundaries. Her effort proved essential following a shaky start, helping her side push past the three-figure mark. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty chipped in with 23, whilst Juwairia Ferdous and Nahida Akter made useful contributions of 16 runs each. Amongst the UAE bowlers, Suraksha Kotte shone brightly, returning impressive figures of 3 for 11, whilst Indhuja Nandakumar claimed two wickets to keep the visitors under pressure.
The total appeared easily chaseable, yet Bangladesh’s bowling unit produced a disciplined and ruthless response. UAE struggled to build partnerships from the outset, succumbing to targeted bowling from Rabeya Khan and Marufa Akter. The host nation quickly collapsed to 38 for 5, a blow from which they never recovered. UAE were eventually bowled out for 69 runs in the face of accurate bowling.
Only two UAE batters managed to reach double figures, with Heena top-scoring on 18 and Theertha Satish contributing 11. Rabeya led the Bangladeshi attack with precision, finishing as the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 14. She received excellent support from seam pace bowler Marufa and left-arm spinner Nahida, who took two wickets apiece to dismantle the remaining resistance.
This crucial victory sets up an intriguing clash in the tournament’s knockout stages. Bangladesh will meet arch-rivals India in the first semi-final scheduled for 10 September. Tournament hosts Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the second semi-final match the following day on 11 September.
