Defending champions India stormed into the women’s cricket final at the 2026 Asian Games with a dominant 114-run victory over Bangladesh in the semi-final on Sunday, September 20. Opener Shafali Verma produced a sensational unbeaten century that powered the side to a massive total and sealed a place in the gold-medal match.
Playing at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, India elected to bat first and posted 195 for 4 in 20 overs. Shafali Verma remained unbeaten on 100 off just 49 balls, laced with three fours and nine sixes. Her knock was the first century in the history of women’s cricket at the Asian Games and also her maiden T20I hundred. It equalled the record for the fastest century by an Indian woman in the format.
Smriti Mandhana contributed a brisk 37, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored a useful 40. The Indian bowling unit then dismantled Bangladesh for just 81 in 15.4 overs. Deepti Sharma (3/7) and Nandani Sharma (3/25) were the standout bowlers, supported by Shree Charani’s economical spell.
Shafali Verma: 100* (49 balls, 3 fours, 9 sixes) – First century in Asian Games women’s cricket
India total: 195/4 in 20 overs
Bangladesh: 81 all out in 15.4 oversMargin of victory: 114 runs
Result: India advanced to the final and assured of at least a silver medal
India will face Sri Lanka in the gold-medal match on Tuesday, September 22. The two teams also met in the previous Asian Games final, where India emerged victorious, and recently clashed in the Women’s Asia Cup final.
With this emphatic performance, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side continue their strong campaign and remain favourites to retain the Asian Games gold in women’s cricket.