India reach 45/1 in powerplay as Bangladesh drop Shafali twice

India reached 45 for 1 in the powerplay against Bangladesh in the Women’s Asia Cup semifinal in Dubai on Thursday, with Shafali Verma surviving two dropped catches in the opening three overs.

Shafali made 29 off 18 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes, while Pratika Rawal scored 14 off 13 balls as India made a brisk start after Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field.

Bangladesh had an early chance to dismiss Shafali when Fahima Khatun failed to hold on to a difficult catch at long-on off Sultana Khatun’s bowling. Shafali was given another reprieve soon after when Nahida Akter could not complete a low catch at mid-on off Marufa Akter.

Bangladesh did, however, claim the wicket of Smriti Mandhana, with Sworna Akter taking the catch.

Bangladesh have won only three of their 24 T20Is against India, with two of those victories coming when they restricted India to below 110. They will now look to contain India in the remainder of the semifinal and secure a place in the Asia Cup final.