India women's cricket team beat Bangladesh women in semi-final to confirm Hangzhou Asian Games medal

India women's cricket team defeated Bangladesh women by 8 wickets in a low-scoring match.

In a sensational display of cricket prowess, the India women's cricket team has confirmed their participation in the Hangzhou Asian Games Gold Medal (final) match, decimating Bangladesh women in the semi-final of the Asian Games. The match, held at Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field, saw Bangladesh being bowled out for a mere 51 runs, a target India comfortably chased down, securing an eight-wicket victory.

The Indian bowlers were the heroes of the day, wreaking havoc in the Bangladesh batting lineup. Pooja Vastrakar was the standout performer, claiming four crucial wickets. She was brilliantly supported by Titas Sadhu, Amanjot Kaur, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Devika Vaidya, each of whom scalped one wicket. Nigar Sultana was the highest run-scorer for Bangladesh, contributing 12 runs before being run out by the agile Devika Vaidya.

India's response to the modest target was steady despite losing the early wickets of the opening pair, stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana (7 runs) and the explosive Shafali Verma (17 runs). However, Jemimah Rodrigues stole the show with a quickfire innings, smashing 20 runs off just 15 balls. Kanika Ahuja remained not out at 1, ensuring India's victory with eight wickets in hand.

The win has set the stage for an enthralling Gold Medal (final) match, scheduled for Monday (25th September), where India will face either Pakistan or Sri Lanka. The opponent will be determined by the outcome of the second semi-final.  

India had qualified for the semi-final after their quarter-final game against Malaysia, was washed out due to rain. India qualified as a result of a higher seeding in the competition.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur is set to be available for selection for the Gold Medal fixture after serving her two-match ban which was laid on her for her aggressive comments on the umpire in the bilateral series against Bangladesh earlier in the year.