Dubai: Bangladesh’s clinical bowling attack guided them to a comfortable 34-run victory over the UAE, confirming their place in the Asia Cup semi-final after a low-scoring contest in the 12th match of the T20 Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Tuesday, September 8.
Opting to field first, UAE, led by Suraksha Kotte, produced disciplined bowling to reduce Bangladesh to 55/6 before Sharmin Akhter’s composed 38 off 31, well supported by unbeaten Nahida Akter’s 16 off 26, helped Bangladesh stage a crucial recovery and post a respectable 103/7. While chasing the modest target, Bangladesh’s ruthless and disciplined bowling attack, led by Rabeya Khatun with a superb 3/14, along with Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter, who shared four wickets between them with two each, completely dismantled the batting line-up and restricted the hosts to 69/9 after 20 overs to seal a convincing 34-run victory.
The match began with UAE winning the toss and electing to field first. With the decision, they found early momentum as Suraksha Kotte struck twice inside the powerplay. She dismissed Dilara Akter for a duck in the very first over before removing Sobhana Mostary for just 3 off 6. Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter tried to rebuild the innings, but Suraksha Kotte dismissed the skipper for 23 off 28 before Indhuja Nandakumar struck twice, dismissing Shorna Akter and Fahima Khatun for ducks in consecutive deliveries, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 55/6. Sharmin Akhter, along with Nahida Akter, revived the innings as the duo stitched together a crucial 42-run partnership off 43 balls for the seventh wicket. Their vital recovery effort guided Bangladesh closer to the 100-run mark before Janani Thirukkumaran dismissed Sharmin Akhter after a composed innings of 38 off 31, making her the top scorer for Bangladesh. Bangladesh eventually finished on a respectable 103/7 after their 20 overs.
While chasing the modest target of 104 runs to win, UAE endured a difficult start as Marufa Akter picked up two early wickets, dismissing Esha Oza for 2 off 4 and Saamaira Dharnidharka for 8 off 19. The Bangladesh spinners then took complete control of the chase, dismantling the UAE batting order with a disciplined and relentless bowling display. Rabeya Khatun led the charge with a stunning 3/14, while Nahida Akter followed up with an impressive 2/18. Fahima Khatun and Sultana Khatun also chipped in with one wicket apiece. In front of a ruthless bowling attack, UAE’s batting unit struggled to find the right momentum as the required run rate continued to climb. Despite Heena Hotchandani’s composed 18 off 19, the top score for UAE, Bangladesh’s relentless bowling restricted the hosts to 69/9 in 20 overs, sealing a convincing 34-run victory.
Nahida Akter, with her impressive all-round performance, including an excellent 2/18 with the ball and an unbeaten 16 off 26 with the bat, deservedly claimed the Player of the Match award. With the defeat, the hosts’ Asia Cup 2026 campaign came to an end, while Bangladesh confirmed their place in their fourth Asia Cup semi-final. Bangladesh will now face India in the semi-final on Thursday, September 10.
