Asian Games 2026, Women’s Cricket Semi-finals: India favourites against Bangladesh, Pakistan face stern challenge against Sri Lanka

India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan in Asian Games 2026
India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan in Asian Games 2026 (PC: BCCI Women, ACC, ICC)

The semi-finals of women’s cricket at the Asian Games are scheduled for September 20, and it is an exact repeat of the semi-finals that took place in the recent Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai. At Korogi Sports Park, Sri Lanka will first take on Pakistan, followed by India facing Bangladesh.

India vs Bangladesh

The Women in Blue arrived at this event after winning the recent Asia Cup, their eighth time overall, and registered a convincing eight-wicket win over hosts Japan in the quarter-final. While chasing a target of just 58, India tried different options, sending G Kamalini to open the innings and Bharti Fulmali at No. 3. However, neither made a significant impact.

Against Bangladesh, India are expected to return to their conventional approach in every department. The only question will be who bats at No. 3 if Pratika Rawal does not return to the playing XI. Will it be skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, keeping Kamalini for the finisher role or will they give the youngster an opportunity?

Once again, the spinners will be key, with N Sree Charani announcing her arrival at the event with a four-wicket haul (4/10) against Japan. Eyes will also be on Shreyanka Patil, who is making a comeback after an injury layoff and looked decent against Japan, returning figures of 1/8 in 3.5 overs.

India Women in Asian Games 2026
India Women in Asian Games 2026 (PC: BCCI Women)

For Bangladesh, unfortunately, their quarter-final clash against China was abandoned due to rain. As the higher-seeded team, the Tigresses advanced to the last four. Can they stun Harmanpreet & Co? That’s to be unfolded in Nisshin, Japan.

If Bangladesh lose this game, it could also be skipper Nigar Sultana Joty’s last game as captain in the T20I format. According to a recent report by Cricbuzz, she has formally informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of her decision of giving up the T20I captaincy after the Asian Games, in a letter sent from Japan.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, looking to move on from their recent Asia Cup final loss against India, defeated Malaysia in the quarter-final, with skipper Chamari Athapaththu leading from the front with a 63-run knock off 37 balls, along with two wickets with the ball.

However, she has not been entirely convincing with the bat recently, especially against stronger opposition, and that is where the real challenge awaits in the semi-final. Their biggest positive has been their middle order, particularly Harshita Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari. Once again, they will be key, especially against Pakistan’s spinners in the middle overs, to provide a solid finish to the innings.

Pakistan Women in Asian Games 2026
Pakistan Women in Asian Games 2026 (PC: Asian Games)

For Pakistan Women, they survived a scare against Thailand in the quarter-final. In an 11-over rain-curtailed game while chasing 92, Pakistan were in a spot of bother despite a strong start from opener Shawaal Zulfiqar, who scored 25 off 14 balls.

Skipper Fatima Sana again chipped in with two wickets and a quickfire 21 off 13 balls. However, they still needed Tuba Hassan to score 13 off seven balls as Pakistan eventually crossed the line with two balls and three wickets to spare.

Hence, considering their recent performances, both India and Sri Lanka head into their respective semi-final clashes as the teams with the stronger recent results. Whether a repeat of the recent Asia Cup final will happen at the Asian Games as well remains to be seen.

 

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The post Asian Games 2026, Women’s Cricket Semi-finals: India favourites against Bangladesh, Pakistan face stern challenge against Sri Lanka appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.



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