India kept their Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a five-wicket win over Bangladesh at Old Trafford, driven by Shafali Verma’s rapid 53 from 34 balls. The result moved the contest for the second semi-final place into a direct battle between India and South Africa.
Bangladesh were restricted to 136-8 after being put under pressure by India’s spin attack and their own missed chances in the field. India, despite a sloppy start in the field, chased down 137 in 16.5 overs and now must beat Australia in their final group match on Sunday to qualify.
Shafali Leads the Chase
India lost Smriti Mandhana early, but Shafali took control and gave the chase the momentum it needed. After her dismissal in the ninth over, Jemimah Rodrigues added an unbeaten-looking burst of energy with 26 from 15 balls to finish the job.
Bangladesh had chances to build a stronger total, but India dropped four catches in the first five overs and misfields interrupted their rhythm. Even so, Bangladesh were unable to fully punish those errors and were kept to a total that proved well below par.
India’s Spin Attack Makes the Difference
Radha Yadav led the bowling figures with 3-28, while Sree Charani finished with 2-21. For Bangladesh, Juairiya Ferdous top-scored with 33 and captain Nigar Sultana Joty made 32, but their side could not accelerate enough to threaten India’s chase.
The defeat ended Bangladesh’s campaign and left South Africa with a clear opening to challenge India for the remaining semi-final spot. South Africa face winless Netherlands in the second game of the day at 18:30 BST, with net run-rate also in play.
