Bangladesh face India Test as Asia Cup semi-final barrier returns

Bangladesh face their toughest challenge of the Women's Asia Cup on Thursday when they meet unbeaten India in the first semi-final, with a place in the final at stake.

Bangladesh reached the last four after recovering from their defeat by Sri Lanka to beat the United Arab Emirates by 34 runs in their final group match. India, meanwhile, topped Group A without losing a game.

The semi-final presents Bangladesh with a familiar obstacle. They have repeatedly fallen short against India at this stage of major tournaments, and another defeat would end their campaign just one step from the final.

But Bangladesh arrive with reasons for optimism.

Their bowlers have been their biggest strength throughout the tournament. Marufa Akter produced a match-winning spell against UAE, while Nahida Akter has continued to provide control with the ball. The team also showed character after slipping to 55 for six against UAE, with Sharmin Akter Supta's 38 helping them reach 103 for seven.

Sharmin has insisted Bangladesh are not carrying extra pressure into the India match, despite the history between the sides.

Her 31-ball 38 in the UAE game also gives the batting unit some momentum heading into the knockout stage.

India, however, will offer a far greater test. Their unbeaten group campaign and dominant victory over Pakistan underline the quality Bangladesh must contain.

For Nigar Sultana's side, the equation is simple: survive India's early pressure, make their limited batting resources count and maintain the discipline that has carried them into the semi-finals.

The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, with Bangladesh seeking to finally turn a recurring semi-final disappointment into a breakthrough.