Sports Desk

Bangladesh once again struggled with the bat, but a brilliant bowling performance made up for their shortcomings as they secured a 34-run victory over the United Arab Emirates to reach the semifinals of the Women’s Asia Cup.

Bangladesh advanced as runners-up from Group B and will face India in the semifinal on Thursday. They had earlier defeated Indonesia in the group stage.

In their final group-stage match, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat but were bowled out for just 103 runs in their allotted 20 overs. After losing two wickets for eight runs, Joraia and Nigar Sultana put together a 29-run partnership. Another batting collapse followed, however, as Bangladesh lost six wickets for 55 runs.

A 42-run partnership between Sharmin Akter and Nahida Akter helped Bangladesh reach a respectable total. Sharmin top-scored with 38 off 31 balls, while Nahida contributed 16. Nigar Sultana added 23 in the top order. For the UAE, Suraksha Kotte took three wickets.

Chasing 104, the UAE came under pressure from the outset. Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter’s superb swing bowling quickly put her side in control of the match.

With just the fourth ball of the innings, Marufa bowled UAE captain Esha Oza with an inswinger. In the following over, she dismissed one-down batter Samaira Dharnidharaka.

Marufa conceded just six runs in three overs during the powerplay. At the end of six overs, the UAE were 15 for two. She returned in the ninth over to complete her spell, finishing with two wickets for just nine runs from four overs.

At the other end, Sultana Khatun kept the pressure on with her off-spin. After 10 overs, the UAE were struggling at 34 for three. When Theertha Satish was dismissed in the 11th over, Bangladesh took complete control of the contest.

Nahida Akter, who had scored 16 with the bat, also made an important contribution with the ball, taking two wickets to pile further pressure on the UAE batting. Off-spinner Rabeya Khan claimed three wickets.

The UAE eventually finished at 69 for nine in their 20 overs, having faced 70 dot balls during the innings. Bangladesh therefore secured a 34-run victory.

After restricting their opponents with an outstanding bowling display, Bangladesh players marked the win with a distinctive celebration. Raising one hand and placing a finger of the other hand over their lips, they appeared to send a message for their critics to remain silent.

With the victory, Bangladesh have cleared the group-stage hurdle and now face a tough semifinal against India.