The Indian innings got off to a historic start when Smriti Mandhana reached a major career milestone. Upon scoring eight runs, she surpassed New Zealand’s Suzie Bates to become the highest run-scorer in women’s Twenty20 International history, elevating her total to 4,765 runs above Bates’ 4,758. Mandhana capitalised on the early momentum, playing a rapid knock of 37 off 19 deliveries before attempting a slog sweep off left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, only to be caught by Sobhana Mostary at deep mid-wicket.

Despite the loss of her opening partner, Shafali Verma maintained an aggressive tempo at the opposite end. Reaching her half-century in just 24 deliveries—repeating a similar feat against the same opposition in the Asia Cup semi-finals—Verma systematically dismantled the Bangladeshi bowling attack. India progressed comfortably to 97 for two at the halfway stage of the innings.

Gunalan Kamalini struggled to find timing during a brief stay, managing three runs off 10 balls before falling to Sanjida Akter Meghla after a catch by Rabeya Khan. However, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur joined Verma to accelerate the scoring rate further. The pair pushed the total to 150 for two after 15 overs, with Verma unbeaten on 79 off 38 balls and Kaur supporting on 27.

Kaur eventually fell to spinner Rabeya Khan for a well-struck 40 off 33 balls. Undeterred, Verma completed her century in the 19th over, anchoring India to a formidable position and leaving Bangladesh facing an uphill task in their run chase.