- By Sunny Daud
- Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:39 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India kept their Women’s T20 World Cup semifinal hopes alive with a comfortable five-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Old Trafford on Thursday. Opener Shafali Verma starred with a blazing 53 off just 34 balls, helping India chase down 137 with 19 balls to spare.
Despite the win, India’s fielding remained a major concern. After their costly mistakes in the defeat to South Africa, the team once again struggled in the field, dropping four catches inside the powerplay. Bangladesh took advantage of the lapses and managed to post 136 for 8 from their 20 overs.
Chasing a modest target, India got off to a flying start thanks to Shafali. Smriti Mandhana departed early, but Shafali took charge and attacked the Bangladesh bowlers from the outset. She played a range of aggressive shots and raced to her second Women’s T20 World Cup half-century in just 29 balls.
India reached 63 for 1 in the power play, putting the chase firmly under control. Shafali’s innings ended unusually when she attempted a quick single after edging a delivery from Nahida Akter, unaware that the wicketkeeper had already collected the ball and broken the stumps. She walked back after scoring a match-winning 53.
There was a brief slowdown in the middle overs, but Jemimah Rodrigues ensured there were no late hiccups. She struck 26 off 15 balls and guided India close to the target before the team completed the chase in 16.5 overs.
Earlier, Bangladesh benefited greatly from India’s poor catching. Opener Juairiya Ferdous was dropped three times within the first five overs. Although she played some attractive shots, she could only manage 33 runs from 31 balls.
Nandini Sharma, who was among the fielders guilty of dropping catches, eventually made amends by taking a sharp return catch to dismiss Ferdous. She was also warned twice by the umpires for running on the pitch during Bangladesh’s innings.
India made an early breakthrough when Renuka Thakur, playing her first match of the tournament, struck in her opening over. Dilara Akter’s pull shot found Shree Charani at deep square leg, giving India an early wicket.
Radha Yadav impressed with the ball, picking up three wickets for 28 runs. She removed Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana, who scored 32 off 27 balls, and Sobhana Mostary in quick succession to put the brakes on the innings.
Young spinner Shree Charani also made an impact. She delivered an excellent final over, taking two wickets while conceding just three runs.
The conditions in England have been warmer than usual, and spinners have enjoyed some assistance from the surface. India relied heavily on spin throughout the innings and managed to restrict Bangladesh despite their fielding errors.
Apart from the dropped catches, India also leaked extra runs through seven wides and three no-balls, showing there is still plenty of room for improvement.
After losing their last match against South Africa, India now face a crucial clash against Australia on June 28. A victory in that game will be vital if they are to secure a place in the semifinals.