CHINA’S cricket aspirations suffered a reality check Thursday when Bangladesh eased to a nine-wicket win in a brutally one-sided Asian Games women’s semifinal.

    China, which had squeezed into the last four with a one-run win over Thailand, was bowled out for just 34 in the 16th over with the home side struggling against Bangladesh’s slow bowlers.

    Only Sun Mengyao, with 10, managed to reach double figures while captain Salma Khatun, with 3-4, was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers.

    Bangladesh will face Pakistan, which defeated Japan by nine wickets, in Friday’s final.

    “Bangladesh and Pakistan have been playing cricket since they were very young,” said China’s vice captain Sun Huan.

    “They have mastered the game. We came to know about the sport when we were in our teens, so we are just babies compared to them. It’s good enough to make it to the top four.”

    Bangladesh coach Rai Choudhury believes China can become a force in the game in years to come.

    “They have trained for the last three years. I think they are a team with great potential because they are progressive and don’t give up,” said Choudhury.

    “As time passes, they will make great progress.”

    Pakistan romped to an equally impressive nine-wicket win over Japan, which was restricted to 61-8 after skipper Ema Kuribayashi won the toss and elected to bat.

    Javeria Wadood cracked 29 off 25 balls as Pakistan reached their target with almost 10 overs left.

    “Bangladesh is a good team but we are confident for the final,” said Nina Rashid, who made an unbeaten 27.

    (SD-Agencies)