Shafali Verma stars as India storm into Asia Cup final

Shafali Verma starred as India stormed into the Women’s Asia Cup final, beating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the semi-final.

Verma’s 64 off 40 balls was the standout performance as India posted 149 for 6 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 109 for 7 in reply, with Deepti Sharma taking 3 for 26.

India’s final opponent on September 13 will be either Pakistan or Sri Lanka, decided by their semi-final at the same venue.

The victory keeps India unbeaten in the tournament, continuing their run of reaching every Women’s T20 Asia Cup final.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s side has remained unbeaten through the tournament heading into the final, extending their strong recent form in T20 cricket.

The Women’s Asia Cup has been dominated by India since its inception, with the team reaching the final in every edition held so far.

India’s bowling attack, led by spinners including Deepti Sharma, has been a key factor in restricting opposition totals throughout the tournament.

The final on September 13 coincides with the ongoing BRICS Summit period in India, though the match itself is being played in Dubai.

India’s win over Bangladesh marked their sixth consecutive appearance in a Women’s T20 Asia Cup final, underlining their dominance in the tournament’s history.

Shafali Verma’s 64 off 40 balls was the standout innings of the semi-final, anchoring India’s total of 149 for 6 after being sent in to bat.

Deepti Sharma’s 3 for 26 with the ball was instrumental in restricting Bangladesh to 109 for 7 in their chase, sealing a 40-run victory for India.

India’s opponent in the September 13 final will be decided by the second semi-final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, played at the same Dubai venue.

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has hosted the majority of matches in this year’s Women’s Asia Cup, including both semi-finals.

Shafali Verma, PIB/Wikimedia Commons, GODL-India