Bangladesh bounce back to reach Asia Cup semis

Bangladesh kept their Women's Asia Cup campaign alive with a disciplined 34-run victory over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, securing a place in the semi-finals.

After losing to defending champions Sri Lanka in their previous match, Bangladesh entered their final group game knowing there was little room for error. They responded with a composed performance, defending a modest total of 103 for seven at the Dubai International Stadium.

UAE struggled throughout the chase and finished on 69 for nine from their 20 overs. Bangladesh's bowlers maintained pressure with regular wickets, preventing the hosts from building a partnership capable of threatening the target.

The victory was particularly important because Bangladesh had been unable to convert a strong position against Sri Lanka two days earlier. Having reduced the defending champions to 44 for five, they eventually lost by four wickets.

This time, Bangladesh did not allow the opposition a similar escape.

The batting, however, remains an area Bangladesh will need to improve before the knockout stage. Their total of 103 was modest, but the bowlers made it sufficient by restricting UAE to a run rate below four an over.

The result placed Bangladesh second in Group B behind unbeaten Sri Lanka and sent them into the last four alongside India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh now face a considerably tougher challenge. They will meet group A winners India in the first semi-final on September 10 in Dubai.

The victory over UAE has restored momentum, but the semi-final will require Bangladesh to produce a more complete performance if they are to reach the Asia Cup final.