Shafali dazzles with 49-ball unbeaten 100 and India march into Asian Games final

In a thrilling encounter, India women's cricket team secured their place in the 2026 Asian Games final by posting an unbeatable 49-ball 100 run partnership from Shafali Verma. During their innings, Shafali smashed her maiden international hundred off the final ball of the innings, smashing nine sixes and three fours. India posted a formidable total of 195 for 4 against Bangladesh in Nisshin, leaving the hosts needing a record chase to reach the final.

Smriti Mandhana provided a rapid start to India's innings, scoring 37 off just 19 balls and becoming the leading run-scorer in women's T20Is. Harmanpreet Kaur contributed with a well-rounded 40 off 33 balls, while Nandani Sharma and Deeoti Sharma took three-wicket hauls apiece. G Kamalini, who batted at No. 3, failed to make an impact, while Richa Ghosh made only two runs. Harmanpreet started slowly but recovered to partner Shafali for a crucial 94 runs off 55 balls for the third wicket.

Bangladesh's innings was characterized by a lack of partnerships, with their top order struggling to get going. Dilara Akter scored 27, while Juairiya Ferdous was dismissed for a duck, while Nos. 3 to 5 failed to find their rhythm. Sultana Khatun, batting at No. 9, was their second-highest scorer with 12 runs. Nandani Sharma dismissed Bangladesh's first batsman in the second over, and Deepti Sharma completed the win with a double-wicket over in the 11th over, followed by Shree Charani's final over to leave Bangladesh needing 114 runs to chase down the target.