Diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have experienced strain following political transitions in Bangladesh, while broader tensions between the two neighbours in the past have often spilled over onto the cricket field. The trend is likely to continue. The Indian men's team's tour of Bangladesh has also been postponed on multiple occasions due to prevailing political tension.
On the cricketing front, Harmanpreet Kaur's side have been in imperious form throughout the continental tournament, topping Group A after winning all their matches. India are heavily favoured to move one step closer to another continental title triumph.
India's campaign has been marked by dominant performances, none more emphatic than their clinical group-stage thrashing of traditional rivals Pakistan. India skittled Pakistan for just 55 before securing a seven-wicket victory.
India's batting unit presents a formidable challenge. Smriti Mandhana enters the crucial fixture high on confidence after her exploits earlier in the tournament, highlighted by a belligerent 64-ball 124 against Hong Kong that further cemented her status as one of the game's premier modern-day batters.
Alongside the senior pro, explosive opener Shafali Verma, who recently became the youngest and fastest to cross the 3,000-run milestone in Women's T20 Internationals, has provided blistering starts, putting opposition attacks on the back foot inside the powerplay.
The middle order, anchored by skipper Harmanpreet and hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, provides both stability and late-innings firepower.
India also possess immense variety and depth in their bowling attack. The ever-consistent Deepti Sharma, who recently etched her name in the record books as the leading wicket-taker in women's T20 Internationals, continues to trouble opposition batters alongside the clever variations of Radha Yadav and Shree Charani.
Pace spearhead Renuka Singh has been lethal with the new ball, ensuring opponents rarely find breathing space upfront through early breakthroughs.
Bangladesh, in contrast, have needed resilience to reach the final four, with their campaign lacking India's dominance. Nigar Sultana's side secured their semifinal berth with a 34-run victory over the UAE, although their batting frailties were exposed when they slumped to 55 for 6 before recovering through gritty knocks from Sharmin Akhter and the skipper herself.
For Bangladesh to challenge the tournament heavyweights, their top order will need to fire against India's probing pace and spin attack.
Bowlers Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter and Marufa Akter will need to be at their most disciplined to contain India's aggressive stroke-makers.
History and current form heavily favour India, but the format often thrives on unpredictability, and Harmanpreet's side will not take their opponents lightly.
With seven titles to their name, India remain by far the most successful team in the continental tournament. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have won the tournament once each since its inaugural edition in 2004.
Sri Lanka are the reigning champions, while Bangladesh won the tournament in 2018.
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Pratika Rawal.
Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter (vc), Dilara Akter, Farjana Easmin, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sarmin Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akther Maghla.
The match starts at 8pm IST.
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