The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side has been the standout team in the tournament, winning all three of its group-stage matches and finishing at the top of Group A with six points and a staggering net run rate of +5.471. Bangladesh, meanwhile, enter the last four after finishing second in Group B and will need a near-perfect performance to halt India’s momentum.
For India, the objective is straightforward — continue their unbeaten campaign and book a place in the final. For Bangladesh, it is an opportunity to overturn years of dominance and reach the title clash by producing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
India have been virtually unstoppable
India’s campaign has been built on commanding performances with both bat and ball.
They opened with a 94-run victory over Thailand before crushing Hong Kong by 137 runs. Their final group-stage outing against Pakistan was another comfortable affair, with India completing a seven-wicket win.
The top order has provided the firepower, while the spin attack has repeatedly squeezed opposition batters. There have been occasional middle-order wobbles, though, and Bangladesh could look to exploit that weakness if they manage to strike early.
Mandhana could hold the key
Smriti Mandhana has been one of the tournament’s biggest performers and will be the player Bangladesh need to neutralise.
The India opener has accumulated 152 runs in three matches, including a breathtaking 124 against Hong Kong.
Her ability to attack from the outset can take the game away from an opposition before the middle overs even begin. Bangladesh’s new-ball bowlers will therefore have a huge role to play in the opening phase.
Deepti Sharma’s spell could decide the contest
If India’s batters provide the momentum, Deepti Sharma has been among the key figures providing control with the ball.
Deepti has taken eight wickets in three matches and has been exceptionally economical, conceding less than two runs per over.
With Dubai expected to offer a slower surface where spin could become increasingly important, her battle against Bangladesh’s middle order could prove decisive.
Bangladesh’s bowling gives them hope
Bangladesh may not possess India’s batting depth, but their bowling attack has given them a genuine chance of competing in the semi-final.
The Tigresses bowled Indonesia out for just 58 and followed that up with a disciplined display against the UAE, winning by 34 runs to secure their place in the last four.
Marufa Akter will be particularly important with the new ball. If she and her fellow bowlers can pick up early wickets, Bangladesh could force India into the kind of middle-order situation where they have occasionally struggled.
Mostary carries Bangladesh’s batting hopes
Bangladesh will also need their batters to raise their game significantly.
Sobhana Mostary has been their leading run-scorer with 77 runs in the tournament. Her ability to rotate the strike and play India’s spinners without allowing the run rate to stagnate will be crucial.
The Tigresses’ lack of consistent power-hitting has been one of their biggest concerns, and they cannot afford another slow-scoring middle phase against an Indian attack that is capable of strangling an innings.
History heavily favours India
Bangladesh have another mountain to climb when it comes to the head-to-head record.
India have won 21 of their 24 T20I meetings against Bangladesh and are currently riding an eight-match winning streak in the format.
Bangladesh’s last T20I victory over India came in July 2023, making Thursday’s semi-final an opportunity to finally end that run.