Bangladesh speed bowler Marufa Akter has issued an emotional appeal to fans ahead of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 semi-final against India on September 10 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A
kter has emerged as the tournament’s top performance, with seven wickets in three group-stage innings, the most for Bangladesh and joint-third overall.
Marufa Akter has been Bangladesh’s leading pace bowler with an economy rate of 3.27, striking in her first spell in all three matches. In the group stage, she dismissed Sri Lankan batter Chamari Athapathuthu for one.
Bangladesh advanced to the semi-finals after defeating UAE by 34 runs on September 8, with Sharmin Akter scoring 38 off 31 balls to assist the team reach 100 runs.
Marufa Akter Outstanding Tournament Performance
Bangladesh’s road to the semi-finals includes a victory over Sri Lanka, with Sobhana Mostary contributing 34 runs. The Tigresses have not beaten India in a T20 International since the 2018 Asia Cup final, which they won by three wickets. India has won the last eight T20Is against Bangladesh, making the semi-final a formidable challenge for the visitors.
Bangladesh’s semi-final qualification and recent performances
The semi-finals provide an important opportunity for Bangladesh to end their recent losing trend against India and move further in the tournament. Marufa’s form with the ball will be critical to Bangladesh’s bowling approach as they prepare to face India’s batting lineup in Dubai.
India, on the other hand, will be full of confidence after winning three straight games to advance to the semi-finals. They advanced to the knockout stage after defeating Pakistan, Thailand, and Hong Kong, China.
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