Bangladesh enter India test without a match, but with plenty at stake

Bangladesh will finally get their Asian Games cricket campaign underway on Sunday, but their first competitive match of the tournament will already be a semifinal against defending champions India.

The Tigresses reached the last four without facing a single delivery after their quarterfinal against China was abandoned because of a waterlogged outfield in Nisshin. Their higher T20I ranking sent them through, leaving Bangladesh with no match practice before the biggest game of their campaign.

India, in contrast, have already played.

They swept aside hosts Japan by eight wickets in their quarterfinal, bowling them out for 57 before reaching the target in only five overs. Shafali Verma struck an unbeaten 40 from 15 balls, while left-arm spinner Shree Charani took four wickets for 10 runs.

That difference in preparation adds an unusual dimension to Sunday's contest.

Bangladesh have had time to train, but no opportunity to test their plans under match pressure. India have already experienced the conditions and completed a convincing chase, giving them a clearer feel for the pitch and surroundings.

For Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty and her team, the challenge will be to turn their preparation into an immediate competitive performance.

The match also carries the weight of recent history. India and Bangladesh met in the semifinal of the Women's Asia Cup, where India won by 40 runs. Sunday's meeting gives the Tigresses another opportunity to challenge a familiar opponent on a major Asian stage.

The semifinal is scheduled for 2pm local time in Japan, or 11am Bangladesh time.

For Bangladesh, the unusual route to the semifinal is now over. There will be no second chance to find rhythm.

Their Asian Games campaign starts with its biggest test.