Archive · 20 Sep 2026
India Opt to Bat Against Bangladesh in Asian Games Semifinal
India and Bangladesh are playing in the women’s cricket semifinal at the Asian Games.
India won the toss and decided to bat first.
India kept the same players who beat Japan in the quarterfinal.
Bangladesh reached the semifinal without playing because rain stopped its match against China.
India are the defending champions and recently won the Asia Cup.
They have also won their last six T20I matches.
India have beaten Bangladesh many times, including in the recent Asia Cup.
Bangladesh will try to challenge India and reach the final.
India won the toss and chose to bat first against Bangladesh in Sunday’s semifinal.
India retained the XI that defeated Japan by eight wickets in the quarterfinal.
Bangladesh advanced after its quarterfinal against China was abandoned because of rain and a wet outfield.
India are defending champions, recently won their eighth Asia Cup title, and have won six consecutive T20Is.
India have beaten Bangladesh in their recent Asia Cup semifinal and lead their overall meetings 22-3.
- Who
- The India and Bangladesh women’s cricket teams, led by Harmanpreet Kaur and Nigar Sultana Joty respectively.
- What
- India won the toss and elected to bat first in the Asian Games women’s cricket semifinal.
- When
- Sunday; the articles do not specify the date.
- Where
- Nisshin, at the Asian Games.
- Why
- The teams are contesting a semifinal place after India defeated Japan and Bangladesh advanced when its quarterfinal against China was abandoned.
India’s Case
Bangladesh’s Case
Semifinal outlook
India’s Case
India are described as overwhelming favorites because they are defending champions, have won six straight T20Is, recently won the Asia Cup, and comfortably defeated Japan.
Bangladesh’s Case
Bangladesh advanced as the higher-ranked side after its quarterfinal was abandoned and will contest the semifinal despite not playing that match.
Recent matchup
India’s Case
India comprehensively defeated Bangladesh in the recent Asia Cup semifinal and have won 22 of their 25 meetings.
Bangladesh’s Case
Bangladesh have recorded three victories against India in their 25-match history and will seek a different result in this semifinal.
Areas of focus
India’s Case
India want Shafali Verma to provide an impactful Powerplay start, while Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani have been taking wickets regularly; the team must also improve catching and middle-order concerns.
Bangladesh’s Case
Bangladesh will face India’s strong batting and bowling resources after entering the semifinal without a completed quarterfinal match.
- Toss
- India won the toss and chose to bat first.
- India’s status
- Defending women’s cricket champions at the Asian Games.
- India’s recent form
- Six consecutive T20I victories and an eighth Asia Cup title.
- India’s quarterfinal
- India defeated hosts Japan by eight wickets, with 15 overs remaining in the chase.
- Bangladesh’s quarterfinal
- The match against China was abandoned because of rain and a wet outfield; Bangladesh advanced as the higher-ranked side.
- Head-to-head
- The teams have met 25 times, with Bangladesh winning three matches.
- Playing XI decision
- India retained the team used in its quarterfinal victory over Japan.
