The first semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup will be played between India and Bangladesh at the Rangiri International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
While India won all of their three games in the group stage, beating Pakistan, UAE and Nepal to seal a spot in the last four, Bangladesh clinched wins against Malaysia and Thailand after losing their first game against Sri Lanka.
As the Asian neighbors lock horns to reach the final, here are three battles to watch out for at the IND vs BAN women’s match:
Smriti Mandhana vs Nahida Akter
Smriti Mandhana is presently in an exceptional form. Bangladesh will have to dismiss Mandhana early in the innings to stay alive in the game. Nahida Akter could be the one to provide the most important breakthrough for Bangladesh as seen in her record against the Indian opener.
Runs: 30
Balls: 29
Dismissals: 3
Strike: 103.40
Harmanpreet Kaur vs Jahanara Alam
Harmanpreet Kaur will determine the tone of India’s innings. The Indian opener has been in impressive form. Bangladesh’s Jahanara Alam would be looking to keep Kaur quiet. The right-arm pacer has dismissed her twice in 23 deliveries.
Runs: 26
Balls: 23
Dismissals: 2
Strike: 113.00
Also Read: Sri Lanka’s T20 Revival: Can Charith Asalanka Lead The Charge?
Nigar Sultana vs Deepti Sharma
Nigar Sultana, the middle-order batter for Bangladesh and keeps the tempo up in the middle overs. Deepti Sharma has had decent figures against Sultana and could be instrumental in dismissing the right-handed batter.
Runs: 29
Balls: 39
Dismissals: 1
Strike: 74.40
IND vs BAN: Head-To-Head
The IND vs BAN semi-final on Friday will be the 23rd T20I clash between the two sides. India have triumphed over Bangladesh 19 times in 22 matches whereas Bangladesh have won on just three occasions.
In Women’s Asia Cup, India and Bangladesh have a neck-to-neck record with both the sides winning two T20I matches each.
It might be noted that India lost the 2018 Women’s Asia Cup final to Bangladesh. It was the only edition they didn’t win.
Also Read: From Cricketer To Singer: Henry Olonga’s Journey Beyond Cricket