Shafali Verma’s unbeaten 100 powers India into Asian Games Final

Cricket, News

India’s 114-run victory over Bangladesh sets up a gold-medal clash against Sri Lanka

Shafali Verma produced a breathtaking unbeaten century as India stormed into the final of the 2026 Asian Games Women’s Cricket Competition with a commanding 114-run victory over Bangladesh in Nisshin.

The explosive opener smashed an unbeaten 100 off just 49 balls, including nine sixes and three fours, as India posted 195 for 4 after being sent in to bat. The victory sets up a repeat of the 2023 final, with India set to face Sri Lanka for the gold medal.

Shafali explodes at the top

Shafali wasted little time imposing herself on the Bangladesh bowling attack. She raced to 34 from her first 17 deliveries, setting the tone for India’s innings.

Smriti Mandhana provided equally valuable support at the other end, contributing 37 from 19 balls. Her innings also saw her become the leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is.

India’s openers added 72 from 36 balls before Mandhana’s dismissal.

G. Kamalini came in at No. 3 but was unable to make a significant contribution. Harmanpreet Kaur then joined Shafali and initially took some time to settle before accelerating to 40 from 33 balls.

Harmanpreet initially struggled to find her timing but gradually accelerated, finishing with a valuable 40 from 33 deliveries.

The India captain then combined with Shafali to devastating effect, adding 94 runs from 55 balls for the third wicket.

Shafali reached her maiden white-ball international century from the final delivery of India’s innings, completing a remarkable 49-ball hundred and leaving Bangladesh facing a daunting target of 196.

Bangladesh unable to mount a challenge

Bangladesh’s chase never gathered momentum.

Dilara Akter top-scored with 27, but Juairiya Ferdous was dismissed for a duck, while Bangladesh’s middle order struggled to build any meaningful partnership.

India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure from the outset.

Nandani Sharma struck in the second over before Kranti Gaud delivered another blow in the following over. Shree Charani then dismissed Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana during the final over of the powerplay, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 38 for 3.

Nandani returned to produce a decisive double-wicket over in the 11th, further exposing the Bangladesh tail.

Deepti Sharma then completed the rout, dismissing Marufa Akter leg before wicket before having Sanjida Akter caught in the 16th over.

Bangladesh were unable to establish a meaningful partnership throughout their innings, eventually falling well short of India’s imposing total.