India Women captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bat first against Bangladesh Women in the second semi-final of the women's cricket competition at the Asian Games 2026.
With a place in the final at stake, India have gone in with a strong playing XI featuring several of the players who were part of their successful recent campaign.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will look to make the most of the opportunity and secure a place in the gold medal match.
Nigar Sultana will lead the side and also take responsibility behind the stumps in what promises to be a crucial knockout contest.
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Harmanpreet Kaur Chooses To Bat First
After winning the toss, Harmanpreet Kaur decided to put runs on the board first. India will hope their experienced opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma can provide a strong start before the middle order takes over.
Mandhana and Shafali have been among India's key batting options, while Harmanpreet herself will play an important role in the middle order. Richa Ghosh will handle wicketkeeping duties.
India's batting unit also includes Bharti Fulmali and Gunalan Kamalini, with Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil providing additional all-round options.
With India batting first, Bangladesh's bowlers will be tasked with making early breakthroughs and preventing the Indian top order from building a big total.
The result of the semi-final will determine which team advances to the gold medal match of the Asian Games 2026 women's cricket competition.
India Women Playing XI
India have kept an unchanged lineup for the second semi-final, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the side.
India XI
Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Bharti Fulmali, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (w), Gunalan Kamalini, Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud.
The bowling attack features Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma and Kranti Gaud, giving India a combination of spin and pace options.
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Bangladesh Women Playing XI
Bangladesh have also named a competitive XI for the knockout clash, with captain and wicketkeeper Nigar Sultana expected to play a central role.
Bangladesh XI
Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (w/c), Shorna Akter, Sharmin Akhter, Shanjida Akter Meghla, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun.