Bangladesh Women outclassed UAE Women by 34 runs in the 12th match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai. After being invited to bat first, Bangladesh Women managed to score only 103/7 in 20 overs. Bangladesh Women struggled with the bat early in their innings and were reduced to 55/6. However, Sharmin Akhter played a calm and important knock of 38 runs to help her team recover and post a defendable total. Suraksha Kotte (3/11 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for UAE Women, while Indhuja Nandakumar also took two wickets. While chasing, UAE Women managed to score 69/9 in 20 overs and lost the match by 34 runs. Bangladesh’s bowlers produced an excellent performance. Marufa Akter (2/9 in 4 overs) made an early impact with the new ball, while the spinners maintained constant pressure on the UAE batters. Rabeya Khatun (3/14 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for Bangladesh Women, while Nahida Akter also took two wickets. Heena Hotchandani remained the top scorer for UAE Women. The UAE batters could not build partnerships during the chase and eventually finished on 69/9 in 20 overs. Bangladesh will now face India in the first semi-final on Thursday.

Suraksha Kotte troubles Bangladesh batters

UAE offspinner Suraksha Kotte was the standout bowler for her side. She claimed three wickets for only 11 runs and played a major role in restricting Bangladesh’s scoring. Kotte relied on flight and repeatedly bowled the ball away from the batters. Bangladesh’s batters struggled to resist the temptation to attack her deliveries. She struck in the first over when Dilara Akter attempted to hit a flighted delivery but found Esha Oza at cover. Kotte then produced another similar delivery in the third over. Sobhana Mostary failed to get underneath the ball and sliced it towards mid-off. Her bowling kept Bangladesh under control during the powerplay. Kotte conceded only seven runs from her first three overs. She returned in the 11th over when Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana was trying to rebuild the innings. Kotte again provided the breakthrough by bowling a low full toss around off stump and taking a sharp low return catch to dismiss Sultana. Sixteen of Kotte’s 24 deliveries were dot balls, highlighting how effectively she restricted Bangladesh.

Sharmin Akhter rescues Bangladesh innings

Sharmin Akhter played her first match of the tournament after coming into the playing XI in place of Ritu Moni. She arrived at the crease when Bangladesh were 37/3. The situation became even more difficult after Nigar Sultana was dismissed for 23, leaving Bangladesh at 55/6. Sharmin then used her experience to steady the innings. The 15-year international veteran initially focused on understanding the conditions. She reached 13 from 13 balls before increasing the scoring rate after the 13th over. A well-timed cover drive against Indhuja Nandakumar signalled a change in her approach. She followed it with two consecutive boundaries against Esha Oza. Sharmin also combined effectively with Nahida Akter. The pair added a crucial 42 runs for the seventh wicket. That partnership gave Bangladesh the momentum they needed after their difficult start and helped them reach a competitive total.

Marufa Akter strikes early

Bangladesh’s defence began strongly as Marufa Akter immediately troubled the UAE batters with movement off the pitch. She needed only four deliveries to dismiss UAE captain Esha Oza. An inswinging delivery beat Oza and gave Bangladesh an early breakthrough. Marufa then removed Samaira Dharnidharka. A cross-seam delivery took the outside edge and carried through to the wicketkeeper. Her first three overs cost only six runs. As a result, UAE reached the end of the powerplay at just 15/2. Marufa returned in the ninth over and completed an excellent spell. She finished with figures of 4-0-9-2.

Bangladesh spinners maintain the pressure

Sultana Khatun supported Marufa with tight offspin at the other end. She restricted the UAE batters and prevented them from finding easy scoring opportunities. UAE reached only 34/3 after 10 overs. The dismissal of Theertha Sathish in the following over shifted the match further in Bangladesh’s favour. Nahida Akter then increased the pressure by taking two wickets. She had also contributed 16 important runs with the bat earlier in the match. Rabeya Khan added three more wickets as the UAE batting order struggled to recover. The UAE batters found it difficult to accelerate during the chase. They faced 70 dot balls and could score only 69/9 in their 20 overs.

Brief Scorecard