India Women are looking to secure a cricket medal while Bangladesh await the semi-finals of the Asian Games

Another Asian Games cricket medal is now just one victory away for Indian women. The defending champions face Bangladesh in Sunday’s semi-final in Nagoya and will be looking to progress to the gold medal match.

India reached the last four after making short work of hosts Japan, winning by eight wickets. Bangladesh took a very different route as they advanced from a rain-hit quarter-final against China without a ball rolling. Now two familiar rivals meet again with the medal to touch.

India also has a recent history on its side, beat Bangladesh by 40 runs in Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals earlier this month. Against Japan, however, they took advantage of a comfortable matchup to try out a few combinations. With much more at stake on Sunday, India are expected to revert to their regular batting order.

INDIA IS MAKING LIGHT WORK OF JAPAN

India defeated Japan by 8 wickets in the quarter finals. Courtesy: BCCI Women

After Harmanpreet Kaur opted to field, the Indian bowlers quickly put Japan under pressure before dismissing them for 57 in 19.5 overs. Left-arm spinner Sree Charani was the standout, finishing with figures of 4-2-10-4, while Shafali Verma chipped in with two wickets.

The chase was over in just five overs. Shafali blasted an unbeaten 40 off 15 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes, while Richa Ghosh finished on 12 not out for a six.

The one-sided nature of the game also allowed India to tinker with their batting order. Kamalini started Shafali, Bharti Fulmali was placed at No. 3 and Richa was promoted to No. 4. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet did not have to bat.

BANGLADESH PROCEDURE AFTER RAINFLOW

Bangladesh’s path to the semi-finals was considerably shorter. Their quarter-final against China was abandoned without a ball being bowled after persistent rain left the Korogi Sports Park pitch unfit for play.

They advanced as the higher team, entering the match ranked 10th in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings compared to 36th-ranked China.

Bangladesh will now face an Indian side that they only met recently. In the Asia Cup semi-final, India posted 149 for six, with Shafali making 64 off 40 balls, before restricting Bangladesh to 109 for seven to win by 40 runs.

INDIA WILL REPEAT SUCCESS 2023

India beat Bangladesh in semi-final of Women’s Asia Cup 2026. Courtesy: ACC

This Asian Games rivalry has another chapter. In Hangzhou 2023, India beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in the semi-finals to clinch the medal. Their quarter-final against Malaysia had previously been scrapped.

India defeated Sri Lanka in the final to win the gold. They are now looking to retain that title in Aichi-Nagoya and another win over Bangladesh would see them back into the medal rounds.

With a place in the gold medal match up for grabs, Mandhana and Harmanpreet are expected to return to the batting order after being sidelined in the Japan chase. Richa was also able to return to her usual position after being promoted against Japan.

The winner will advance to the gold match, while the losing side will have one more chance to finish on the podium in the bronze play-off.

When to watch India vs Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Semi Final at Asian Games 2026

India vs Bangladesh women’s cricket semi-final will start at 10:30 AM IST and 2:00 PM local time.

Where to watch India vs Bangladesh women’s cricket semi-final at Asian Games 2026

Sony Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for the Asian games. Live streaming of the match will be available on Sony LIV.

Head-to-Head

Matches – 25, India – 22, Bangladesh – 3

Predicted XI for India vs Bangladesh

India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Gunalan Kamalini, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani, Shreyanka Patil, Kranti Gaud, Nandani Sharma

Bangladesh: Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (c) (wk), Sharmin Akhter, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Marufa Akter

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

19 Sep 2026 20:00 IST