'Please keep us all in your prayers' - Marufa Akter's plea to fans ahead of Women's Asia Cup 2026 semi-final vs India

Bangladesh pace bowler Marufa Akter has made an emotional appeal to supporters ahead of the Women's Asia Cup 2026 semi-final against India scheduled for September 10 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Akter has emerged as a standout performer in the tournament, taking seven wickets across three group-stage innings, the most for Bangladesh and joint-third overall in the competition.

Marufa has been Bangladesh's leading pace bowler with an economy rate of 3.27, striking in her opening spell in each of her three matches. She dismissed Sri Lankan batter Chamari Athapathuthu for 1 during the group stage. Bangladesh secured their semi-final spot after defeating UAE by 34 runs on September 8, with Sharmin Akter top-scoring with 38 off 31 balls to help the team cross the 100-run mark.

"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 (Bangladesh Cricket Board) video.

Marufa's standout tournament performance

Bangladesh's path to the semi-final included a victory over Sri Lanka, where Sobhana Mostary scored 34 runs. The Tigresses have not defeated India in a T20 International since the 2018 Asia Cup final, when they won by three wickets. India have won their last eight T20I meetings against Bangladesh, making the semi-final a significant challenge for the visitors.

Bangladesh's semi-final qualification and recent form

The semi-final represents a crucial opportunity for Bangladesh to break their recent losing streak against India and advance further in the tournament. Marufa's form with the ball will be central to Bangladesh's bowling strategy as they prepare to face the Indian batting lineup in Dubai.

Also Read: 'We're prepared' - Shafali Verma confident ahead of India's semi-final against Bangladesh

India, meanwhile, will be high on confidence, having reached the semi-final after three consecutive wins. They beat Pakistan, Thailand, and Hong Kong, China en route to the knockouts.