Asian Games 2026: Shafali’s fiery ton fires India to women’s cricket final, ensures medal

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India’s Shafali Verma celebrates her century during the second semifinal T20I cricket match between India’s women and Bangladesh’s women in the ongoing Asian Games 2026, at Aichi Prefectural Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, on September 20, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

Shafali Verma slammed her maiden T20I century to power India into the final of women's cricket event at the Asian Games with a 114-run win over Bangladesh, here on Sunday.

Opting to bat, India rode on Shafali's unbeaten 100 off 49 balls (9 sixes, 3 fours) to post 195 for four in the second semifinal. Smriti Mandhana made a quick 37 while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur scored 40 off 33 balls.

Indian bowlers bundled out Bangladesh for just 81 in 15.4 overs. Opener Dilara Akter (27 off 23) top-scored for Bangladesh. Nandani Sharma (3/25), Shree Charani (2/7) and Deepti Sharma (3/7) were among the wickets.

Brief Scores: India Women 195 for 4 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 100 not out; Sanjida Akter Meghla 1/25). Bangladesh Women 114 all out in 15.4 overs (Dilara Akter 27; Nandani Sharma 3/25, Deepti Sharma 3/7).

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