Shafali Verma’s 53 off 34 balls powered India’s five-wicket win over Bangladesh at Old Trafford, reaching the 137 target in 16.5 overs. Bangladesh were eliminated, turning the semi-final race into a showdown between India and South Africa—provided India can be
At Old Trafford, the chase didn’t start like a celebration—it started like a question.
India were chasing 137 after Bangladesh posted 136-8 in 20 overs, with Juairiya Ferdous making 33 off 31 balls and captain Nigar Sultana Joty adding 32. The target looked reachable, but Bangladesh’s innings had already exposed how quickly this tournament can turn on small errors.
India got the finish they needed, but not with the crispness they’ll want in the knockout phase. Shafali Verma struck 53 from 34 balls to bring India to 139-5 in 16.5 overs and seal a five-wicket win. It was enough to end Bangladesh’s tournament—eliminating them and leaving the semi-final spot as a straight shootout between India and South Africa.
That win also came with a warning label attached. India dropped four catches in the first five overs and the innings was littered with misfields. turning what should have been a clean chase into something messier than the final result suggests. Even as their batting moved India forward. their fielding lagged behind—something they’ll have to fix if they want any chance against the tournament’s most experienced team.
Radha Yadav’s spin-heavy control did the heavy lifting after Bangladesh’s total was set. Yadav finished with 3-28, while Sree Charani took 2-21. Bangladesh struggled to punish the mistakes that kept coming—scraping to 136-8 instead of building pressure—so India’s bowling plan stayed intact.
India’s chase had its own turning points. Smriti Mandhana was lost early, and the tempo slowed after Shafali’s dismissal in the ninth over. Still. Jemimah Rodrigues provided the lift India needed. striking 26 from 15 balls to help them cross the line and complete the chase before the innings fully tightened.
In the other part of the day’s picture, South Africa had a chance to reshape the race. They were due to play winless Netherlands in the second game of the day at 18:30 BST, with a clear opportunity to close the gap in net run-rate between themselves and India.
So for India, the next match isn’t a formality. India must beat Australia in the final group game on Sunday to qualify for the semi-finals—and after the dropped catches and misfields on display against Bangladesh, fielding accuracy may end up being as decisive as batting confidence.
Women’s T20 World Cup India vs Bangladesh Shafali Verma 53 Old Trafford Radha Yadav 3-28 Sree Charani 2-21 Jemimah Rodrigues 26 semi-final race Australia match Sunday South Africa Netherlands 18:30 BST