India kept their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a hard-fought five-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday. While the result strengthened India’s position in Group 1, the performance exposed several areas of concern, particularly in the field, where dropped catches and missed opportunities nearly proved costly. Nevertheless, a sparkling half-century from Shafali Verma and a disciplined effort from the spin attack ensured Harmanpreet Kaur’s side remained firmly in contention for a place in the last four.
Chasing 137 for victory, India reached 139 for 5 in 16.5 overs, thanks largely to Shafali’s aggressive 53 off 34 deliveries. The opener once again provided the momentum at the top of the order, registering her second half-century of the tournament and crossing the 500-run milestone in Women’s T20 World Cup history, joining an elite list of Indian batters that includes Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj. However, the victory was far from straightforward.
Earlier, India endured a nightmare start in the field after opting to bowl. Bangladesh capitalised on a string of errors as India dropped three catches within four deliveries during the powerplay. Radha Yadav missed a straightforward chance at deep midwicket, while Nandani Sharma spilled opportunities offered by both Sobhana Mostary and Juairiya Ferdous.
The reprieves allowed Bangladesh to build momentum. Ferdous looked particularly confident, striking boundaries regularly and taking advantage of India’s inconsistent bowling. Alongside Mostary, she added a valuable 51-run partnership that laid the foundation for a competitive total.
Despite the early setbacks, India slowly regained control. Nandani eventually dismissed Ferdous for 33 with a return catch, while Deepti Sharma accounted for Mostary, who made 22. Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana then attempted to accelerate the scoring, contributing a brisk 32 and ensuring her side remained on course for a total above 140.
Just when Bangladesh appeared set for a strong finish, India’s spin unit delivered a decisive turnaround. Radha Yadav, brought back into the playing XI, led the charge with figures of 3 for 28, while young spinner Shree Charani continued her impressive tournament with another influential spell. Together with Deepti Sharma, the trio restricted Bangladesh’s scoring in the final overs and triggered a collapse that saw the side lose five wickets for just 28 runs. Bangladesh eventually finished on 136 for 8, a score that felt slightly below par on a batting-friendly surface.
India’s response began in explosive fashion. Bangladesh gifted Shafali an early life when Nigar Sultana failed to hold a chance with the opener on just four. The miss proved costly. Shafali immediately settled into rhythm, launching bowlers over the infield and driving elegantly through the covers. Her attacking intent ensured India raced to 63 in the powerplay, nearly matching half the target inside six overs. She reached her fifty in just 29 balls and looked set to carry India comfortably home. However, Bangladesh fought back admirably. Shafali’s dismissal for 53 triggered another middle-order wobble, continuing a trend that has troubled India throughout the tournament.
Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia and later Jemimah Rodrigues all departed after starts, while Bangladesh also created run-out opportunities that could have changed the complexion of the contest. Rodrigues survived one such scare before counterattacking brilliantly, smashing a six and three boundaries in a crucial cameo of 26.
Her knock effectively broke Bangladesh’s resistance and reduced the equation to single digits before she eventually fell attempting another aggressive stroke. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained calm amid the brief uncertainty and, alongside Deepti Sharma, guided India across the finish line with 19 balls to spare.
The victory lifts India to second place in Group 1 and keeps qualification for the semi-finals within their control. Yet tougher challenges lie ahead. Australia remains unbeaten and awaits India in a high-pressure final group-stage encounter that could determine the second semi-final berth from the group. South Africa are also firmly in contention following their emphatic victory over the Netherlands, ensuring the race for qualification remains wide open.
For India, the positives were clear. Shafali’s form continues to shine, the spin attack remains a potent weapon, and the team showed resilience when momentum threatened to swing away. But if they are to overcome Australia and advance deeper into the tournament, significant improvement in fielding and middle-order consistency will be essential.
On a day when perfection was absent, survival was enough. India remains alive, and their World Cup dream continues.
