Defending champions India come into the second Asian Games semi-final as clear favorites, having cruised through their opening knockout tie against hosts Japan with total authority. They boast depth right down the order and a bowling attack capable of handling any phase of the game. Bangladesh, however, are nowhere near an easy proposition on low, slow subcontinental-style tracks. They bring a tenacious brand of cricket, driven by a deep bank of slow bowlers who thrive on suffocating heavy hitters and forcing mistakes through relentless dot-ball pressure.
Squads:
India Women’s Cricket Team
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Bharti Fulmali, Renuka Singh, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Shreyanka Patil, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, G Kamalini (WK)
Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team
Sharmin Akhter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Nigar Sultana (C, WK), Nahida Akter, Sarmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Fariha Trisna, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Marufa Akter, Dilara Akter (WK), Rabeya Khan, Shorna Akter, Juairiya Ferdous (WK), Sultana Khatun
Players to watch out:
Shafali Verma
Shafali Verma showcased her explosive power for India with a magnificent display in both departments. Opening the batting, she blasted an unbeaten 40 off just 15 balls at a towering strike rate of 266.66, smashing 6 fours and 2 sixes to make quick work of the chase. She also rolled her arm over effectively, delivering a full spell of 4 overs where she picked up 2 wickets for 13 runs. Holding a tiny economy rate of 3.25 alongside her batting firepower, she put on an all-round show.
N Sree Charani
N Sree Charani delivered the most devastating bowling performance of the event so far for India. She bagged a remarkable 4 wickets for just 10 runs in her complete spell of 4 overs, which included 2 maiden overs. Operating at a microscopic economy rate of 2.50 and a bowling average of 2.50, she completely broke the back of the opposition’s batting order. Her sharp control and ability to pick up quick wickets make her a standout bowler in the tournament.
Sharmin Akhter
In WT20Is, Sharmin Akhter has played 40 matches and feature in 38 innings, accumulating 676 runs at an average of 19.31 and a strike rate of 85.35. Her highest score in the format is 63, and she has registered two half-centuries, striking 58 fours and 2 sixes alongside 4 catches.
Nigar Sultana Joty
Nigar Sultana boasts an extensive WT20I career spanning 132 matches and 126 innings, where she has scored 2,709 runs at an average of 27.36 and a strike rate of 93.34. Highlighted by an unbeaten top score of 113*, her T20I record includes 1 century, 13 fifties, 263 fours, and 26 sixes, while also executing 81 wicketkeeping dismissals via 31 catches and 50 stumpings.
Pitch:
The surface at Korogi Sports Park provides steady, uniform bounce and fair movement early on for seamers. Batters can post solid totals once accustomed to the pace, though damp outfields and pitch wear later in the match can give spinners extra purchase and slow down scoring.
Weather:
The forecast for Aichi Prefectural Korogi Sports Park calls for cloudy weather, with temperatures peaking at 30°C and dropping to a low of 23°C. Winds will blow from the north at 9 mph alongside 75% humidity.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh, Shafali Verma, Sharmin Akhter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Nigar Sultana, Nahida Akter
Match Details:
Date – September 20, 2026
Time – 10:30 AM IST
Venue – Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin
Broadcast – Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv
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