Bangladesh aim at same outcome in final rematch against India

Bangladesh women’s national cricket team will look for a similar outcome in their Asia Cup 2022 match against India in Sylhet on Saturday as the sides will stage a rematch of the last edition’s final.

In 2018, Bangladesh beat India by three wickets in the final to win their first Asian crown. In the same edition, Bangladesh also got their first win over their neighbours in Twenty20 Internationals as they won by seven wickets in the group stage.

To date, those remain Bangladesh’s only wins among 12 matches against the Indians, who beat the women in red and green in the 2022 T20 World Cup, the last clash between the sides.

Both teams come into the tie with similar results in the tournament. Bangladesh have won two out of their three games, while India have won three out of their four. The only defeat for both sides came against Pakistan.

Bangladesh, despite their recent record and home advantage, are behind India in terms of experience, and Bangladesh opener Murshida Khatun accepted that before the match.

“They are way stronger than us. They have played a lot matches more than us. Recently, they played in England. They are better than us. But we are also in good shape,” said the opener, who hit a fifty in Bangladesh’s last match against Malaysia, said on Friday.

She added, “Their bowling is strong, like the other two departments (batting and fielding). We are also similar in strength because we are the defending Champions and are playing at home. If we can do well in all three departments, something good is very much possible.”

Murshida also said that when playing against India or Pakistan, the motivation comes automatically.

“When we play against India or Pakistan, our energy levels rise from 90% to 100% automatically,” she said.

Murshida added that she was extra thoughtful about playing well against India.

“I always think more about playing well against India. I prepare myself in that way. I will try to play my role instead of focusing on who is bowling. I will try to play my game,” she said.

In their match against Malaysia, the star of the show was debutant Fariha Islam Trishna, who picked up a hat-trick and ensured that Bangladesh had a comfortable route to victory.

“Trishna has done very well in Sylhet, both in the National Cricket League and our camp. The wickets in Sylhet are very good for here. She has picked up a hat-trick on her debut. She will be high on confidence,” the left-handed batter told the media.

If Bangladesh manage a win in this game, their semi-final berth will be pretty much assured, considering they have a game in hand against UAE.

For India, the match will be about revenge for the last edition’s final, and confirming a place in the final four.

The game starts at 1:30 PM Bangladesh Standard Time today.