Bangladesh win toss, opt to bat first against India

In the first semi-final of the Women's Asia Cup at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first against India on Friday.

The winner of this match will advance to the final, which will be held at the same venue on Sunday. India holds a significant lead over Bangladesh in women's T20I encounters, with a 19-3 record. 

Earlier this year, India secured a 5-0 series victory over Bangladesh in Sylhet. After the toss, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana announced that Marufa Akter would replace Sabikun Jesmin in the playing XI. 

"The wicket looks good. The ball was coming onto the bat nicely. They have been playing well. 2018 was a long time back. They (India) have been playing well. If we perform collectively, we'll put up a good show. We need to work on our batting and building partnerships," said Nigar. 

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said, "We have played good cricket so far. Today also we want to back ourselves. They are a good side. For us, we need to focus on what we've been doing." India have got in Uma Chetry at number three in place of Dayalan Hemalatha, while Harmanpreet and Pooja Vastrakar come back after resting in previous game against Nepal. 

Playing XIs – 

India: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Uma Chetry, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Tanuja Kanwar and Renuka Thakur Singh 

Bangladesh: Dilara Akter, Murshida Khatun, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Rumana Ahmed, Ishma Tanjim, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Jahanara Alam and Marufa Akter

Source: Jagran