From Gold ambition to Bronze fight

Bangladesh's Asian Games gold-medal dream is over, but the Tigresses still have one more chance to return home with a medal when they face Pakistan in the bronze-medal match today (Tuesday).

The match will begin at 6am Bangladesh time at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan. The official tournament schedule lists the start at 9am local time.

Bangladesh's hopes of reaching the final were ended by India, who produced a commanding 114-run victory in Sunday's semifinal. India posted 195 for four, led by Shafali Verma's unbeaten century, before Bangladesh were bowled out for 81.

The defeat leaves Bangladesh with a different challenge: recovering quickly and finishing the tournament on the podium.

Pakistan will provide another demanding test. They reached the semifinal after beating Thailand and then posted 177 for four against Sri Lanka, but the Sri Lankan side chased down the target to win by eight wickets. Pakistan were therefore pushed into the bronze-medal contest against Bangladesh.

For Nigar Sultana Joty's side, Tuesday's match will also be about ending an unusual campaign on a positive note. Bangladesh advanced from their quarterfinal without playing a ball after rain and a wet outfield prevented their match against China. They consequently entered the semifinal without competitive match practice.

The Tigresses now have one final opportunity to put that unusual journey behind them.

A bronze medal would not erase the disappointment of missing the final, but it would give Bangladesh a tangible reward from a tournament in which their route to the knockout stage was anything but conventional.

The gold is no longer available. On Tuesday morning, Bangladesh will fight for bronze.