Tigresses look to Marufa in crunch semifinal against India

Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter has been in rich form in the Asia Cup, and ahead of Thursday’s crunch semifinal against India, she is hoping the senior players can continue making valuable contributions as they have throughout the tournament.

The match will begin at 8:30 pm Bangladesh time.

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Bangladesh have struggled to find their batting rhythm in their three matches so far. In the defeat to Sri Lanka, Sobhana Mostary scored a crucial 34 to help Bangladesh post a competitive total, while Sharmin Akter returned to the playing XI against the UAE and top-scored with a 31-ball 38, helping the Tigresses cross the 100-run mark.

Bangladesh eventually secured a 34-run victory over the UAE to book their place in the semifinals.

India, however, will present a much tougher challenge. Bangladesh’s last Asia Cup victory over India came in the 2018 final, when they secured a thrilling three-wicket win.

While batting has been a concern, Marufa has been outstanding with the ball, taking seven wickets in three matches.

“Personally, I am very happy to make the semis. Pray that I can continue contributing to the team personally, just as I have been doing. I also hope the senior players can continue to support the team in the same way. Please keep us all in your prayers so that we can finish tomorrow’s match on a high note,” Marufa said in a BCB video on Wednesday.

Marufa’s pace, seam and swing caused problems for the UAE, and against a formidable Indian batting line-up, captain Nigar Sultana Joty will be hoping her strike bowler can make early inroads and put Bangladesh on the front foot in the crucial semifinal.