Bangladesh Women advances to the semi-final of Asian Games 2026 [Source: AFP]Bangladesh Women have successfully advanced to the semi-final of the Asian Games 2026. However, they did so without playing their scheduled quarter-final against China Women. The Asian Games 2026 tournament kicked off in Japan earlier this week, and Bangladesh were scheduled to play China in the women’s cricket quarter-final at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, on September 17. China Women bow out due to washout vs Bangladesh WomenHowever, persistent rain at the venue left the outfield too wet, and despite inspections, no play was possible. The match was eventually abandoned without a single delivery. According to rule 16.10.2(b) of the Asian Games cricket playing conditions, if a quarter-final is washed out and no result can be obtained, the higher-ranked team advances to the semi-final. Naturally, Bangladesh Women are a higher-ranked side as they stand at no. 10 in the ICC Women's T20I rankings while China rests at no. 36. Bangladesh therefore progressed to the semi-finals, while China's Asian Games campaign ended without them getting an opportunity to bat or bowl. Also Read - BCB Abandons Nigar Sultana Over Harmanpreet Handshake SnubWhy was there no Super Over or reserve day? Interestingly, a result couldn’t be obtained from the Asian Games women’s cricket quarter-final between Bangladesh and China because this isn't a normal bilateral T20I where the teams necessarily get an opportunity to replay the match. The Asian Games tournament playing conditions specifically determine what happens when a quarter-final is completely washed out. Hence, there is no provision for a Super Over or reserve day. The same type of ranking provision was also used during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, held in 2023, when rain affected the women's quarter-finals and India, Pakistan and Bangladesh progressed under the applicable conditions. Bangladesh Women semi-final opponent yet to be decidedHaving said that, while Bangladesh Women have advanced to the semi-final of the Asian Games 2026, their opponent is yet to be decided. They are likely to face India, provided India defeat hosts Japan in their quarter-final.India Women are one of the favourites for the gold medal, and hence, their odds of making it to the semi-final are much higher. Hence, Bangladesh Women must pull up their socks as they haven’t had any game practice due to the quarter-final washout.Also, Bangladesh Women will look to pay tribute to Nigar Sultana as she has decided to quit T20I captaincy following the conclusion of the Asian Games. In her tenure, Bangladesh won the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers unbeaten and also registered its first World Cup victory.But her captaincy came under scrutiny following Bangladesh's recent Asia Cup campaign, where they lost the semi-final to India Women.The Asian Games 2026 women’s cricket semi-final will be held on Sunday, September 20 at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.Also Read - Zero From RCB, 1 From CSK: IPL Team-Wise List Of Players In India T20 Squad vs Afghanistan
