Victory masks India’s glaring fielding lapses in Women’s Asia Cup semifinal

India booked their 10th consecutive Women’s Asia Cup final berth with a 40‑run win over Bangladesh in the first semifinal of the 2026 edition at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on September 10.

Although the margin suggests a comfortable victory, it concealed several fielding lapses that were hard to ignore. India could have had Bangladesh one down without a run on the board as early as the fourth ball of the chase, but Pratika Rawal failed to hold on to what was a fairly regulation chance at cover.

Dilara Akter mistimed a cut shot off a short and wide delivery from Kranti Gaud, offering a sitter, but Pratika misjudged the trajectory, jumped unnecessarily, and spilt the opportunity.

Pratika dropped another chance on the fourth ball of the ninth over. Shobhana Mostary cut a length delivery straight to backward point, but Pratika again failed to cling on to a knee‑height catch, denying India a second breakthrough. Pratika had also failed to convert two catching opportunities which came her way in the game against Pakistan.

Even Smriti Mandhana, one of India’s safest fielders, endured a rare lapse. On the first ball of the 16th over, Shorna Akter took on Deepti Sharma and attempted to clear long‑on. Mandhana, patrolling the region, misjudged her position near the boundary rope, stretched out a hand but couldn’t complete the catch as the ball trickled away for four.

India’s lack of coordination in the field also came to the fore on the second ball of the 18th over. Shorna top‑edged a delivery from Shafali Verma, prompting both wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh and Nandini Sharma at square leg to charge towards the ball. Neither realised the other was attempting the catch, resulting in a collision that required immediate medical attention.

While both Richa and Nandini escaped without serious injury, India may not be as fortunate if similar lapses occur on the night of the final.