Shafali Verma’s half-century helps the 50-over world champions reach the target within 17 overs at Old Trafford.
Published June 25, 2026
India strengthened their hopes of making it to the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a five-wicket win over Bangladesh in Manchester.
On Thursday, India achieved a modest target of 137 at Old Trafford, with opener Shafali Verma hitting 53 off 34 balls to reach the target within 17 overs.
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Meanwhile, South Africa capitalized on Tazmin Blitz’s first international T20 century to overwhelm the Netherlands by 88 runs.
This means India and South Africa are effectively in a battle for the second spot in the semi-finals behind unbeaten Group A leaders Australia.
Both sides have six points, two behind the Australians and two behind Bangladesh, but there remains a mathematical chance of a place in the finals, with Sunday’s final pool match against South Africa at Lord’s.
India have a better goal margin but face a tough task of defeating Australia in Sunday’s match, also at Lord’s.
The Indians will need to improve their defense against six-time champions Australia, who dropped four catches on Thursday, but Bangladesh were too weak to take advantage as they slumped to 136-8.
Spin once again accounted for most of India’s wickets, with Radha Yadav taking 3-28 and Shree Chalani taking 2-21.
South Africa were never in danger after the Englishman and Laura Wolvaardt scored 121 for the first wicket.
After Wolvaardt was dismissed for 45, the English continued to chase the Dutch bowlers with Annelie Derksen making 37 not out off 16 balls.
South Africa finished with 208-1, while England finished with 114 not out, including 15 fours and 3 sixes off 69 balls.
The Dutch also got off to a good start with openers Phoebe Molkenboer (41) and Sanya Khurana (36) adding 58 runs for the first wicket. Stea Cullis kept the momentum going with 26 pitches on 28 pitches, but with those three players gone, the innings folded.
Medium pacer Ayabonga Kaka was the most successful of the bowlers with 3-19, while slow left-hander Chloe Tryon took 2-16 from her four overs.
