Sharmin unfazed by India challenge despite batting woes

Dhaka, 9 Sept  - Bangladesh Women's team confirmed the semifinal spot of the Asia Cup as it was expected but a familiar vulnerable batting followed them, raising concerns ahead of their clash with India.

Bangladesh will face India in the semifinal, a team which beat them in the last two editions of the tournament and denied them a place in the final.

But Bangladesh batter Sharmin Akhter Supta said the team would approach the match without any pressure.

"It is a joy for us. We are getting the opportunity to play against a team like India, who are a top side. If you want to become champions, you have to play against teams like them," she said.Sharmin also admitted that the batting performance could have been better, 

while stressing the need to adapt to match conditions.

"In T20 cricket, everyone wants to see fours and sixes. They want to see boundaries. To get those, you need a good pitch. But as a player, you have to adapt and play according to the conditions," she continued.

The Women's team secured the last four spot with a 34-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the back of a disciplined bowling performance after being bowled out for just 103.

Bangladesh went through a major batting collapse, slipping to 55-6 before Sharmin steadied the innings with a crucial 38.

The right-hander said the team focused on reaching a competitive total after losing wickets in quick succession.

"Sometimes wickets can fall quickly like this. I felt it was important to stay strong and build a partnership with the tailenders. When you lose five or six wickets early, you are obviously in danger," Sharmin said.

Bangladesh eventually crossed the 100-run mark, a total the team believed could be defended given the strength of its bowling attack.

"Alhamdulillah, we were able to cross the 100 mark. We knew about the strength of our bowling beforehand, so we were satisfied with the total," Sharmin said.

The bowlers then justified that confidence, dismissing the UAE for 69 to complete a convincing 34-run win despite Bangladesh's modest total.BSS