India Women kept their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final hopes alive with a crucial five-wicket victory over Bangladesh Women in a Group A encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Thursday. Riding on a brilliant half-century from opener Shafali Verma and a disciplined bowling performance, India completed the chase with 19 balls to spare.
Asked to bowl first, India restricted Bangladesh to 136/8 in 20 overs despite dropping as many as four catches, continuing their fielding struggles in the tournament. Bangladesh got useful contributions from opener Juairiya Ferdous, who scored 33 runs, and skipper Nigar Sultana, who made 32. However, the Indian bowlers ensured that Bangladesh never gained complete control of the innings.
Making a return to the playing XI, left-arm spinner Radha Yadav starred with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 28 runs in her four overs. She was well supported by the rest of the bowling attack, with India’s bowlers maintaining tight lines and regularly picking up wickets. Shree Charani also continued her impressive run in the tournament and scripted history by becoming India’s highest wicket-taker in a single edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Chasing 137 for victory, India got off to a strong start thanks to Shafali Verma, who smashed 53 runs off just 34 deliveries. Her aggressive knock laid the foundation for the chase and ensured India remained ahead of the required run rate throughout the innings. India eventually reached the target in 16.5 overs to register a comfortable victory. Ritu Moni was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers with figures of 2/29 in four overs.
The victory has significantly boosted India’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals, although Harmanpreet Kaur’s side still faces a crucial final group-stage match. With momentum on their side, India will look to carry forward this winning form into the knockout race.
