Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team secured their spot in the semifinals of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup with a convincing 34-run victory over the United Arab Emirates. In a low-scoring thriller in Dubai, the Tigresses staged a remarkable recovery following an early batting collapse, anchored by a responsible inning from Sharmin Akhter, before Marufa Akter’s lethal bowling and a dominant spin attack sealed the win.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) at the Dubai International Stadium, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty found her side under immediate pressure due to UAE off-spinner Suraksha Kotte. Generating sharp flight and precision, Kotte removed Dilara Akter, Sobhana Mostary, and captain Nigar Sultana while conceding just 7 runs in her opening spell, reducing Bangladesh to a precarious 55 for 6. Entering the tournament for her first match, veteran batter Sharmin Akhter stabilized the innings under severe pressure. Partnering with Nahida Akter (16), Sharmin (38) built a crucial 42-run seventh-wicket stand to guide Bangladesh to a competitive total of 103 runs.
Chasing a target of 104, the UAE top order crumbled early under the fiery in-swinging spell of young pacer Marufa Akter. Marufa conceded just 9 runs across her full 4-over quota while picking up 2 key wickets. Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan (3 wickets) and left-arm spinner Nahida Akter then tightened the screws in the middle overs, leaving the hosts with no room for recovery. Bowled out into submitting 70 dot balls in total, the UAE finished their 20 overs at 69 for 9. Bangladesh will now face India in the first semifinal on Thursday.
