NEW DELHI: India kept their Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a convincing five-wicket win over Bangladesh at Old Trafford on Thursday, overcoming another disappointing performance on the field to register a crucial Group A victory.Chasing a modest target of 137, India relied on a brilliant knock by Shafali Verma, who smashed 53 off just 34 balls to put the score beyond doubt in the early stages of the hunt. The explosive opener dominated both pace and spin, helping India race to 63/1 in the powerplay and laying the foundations for a comfortable chase completed in just 16.5 overs.This win keeps India in contention for a place in the last four after a costly loss to South Africa. However, the equation remains simple Harmanpreet Kaurteam, who will likely need to beat Australia in their final group stage match on June 28 to secure a place in the semi-finals.Shafali was at her devastating best, repeatedly using the inside-out shot to unsettle the Bangladeshi bowlers. She brought up her second Women’s T20 World Cup fifty in just 29 deliveries and looked poised for an even bigger score before being dismissed in unusual fashion. Attempting a non-existent single after Nahida Akter cut the delivery, she didn’t realize that the wicketkeeper had already collected the ball and broken the stumps.Although there was a slowdown in the letter in the middle overs after her dismissal, Jemimah Rodrigues he ensured there was no late drama with a quick-fire 26 off 15 balls that brought India close to victory.
Problems on the field continue despite the dominant victory
Although the result was unequivocal, India remained a major concern.The side dropped four catches during the powerplay alone, continuing a worrying trend that also hurt them in the loss to South Africa. Nandini Sharma, Yastika Bhatia and Radha Yadav were among the culprits as direct chances went begging.Bangladesh opener Juairiya Ferdous was the biggest beneficiary, surviving three missed chances inside the first five overs. However, she failed to take full advantage, scoring 33 off 31 balls before Nandini redeemed herself with a crisp return catch.India’s ball discipline was also far from flawless, with the team conceding seven wides and three no-balls during the innings.
Radha and Charani shine with the ball
Earlier, Bangladesh made 136/8 after electing to bat first.Renuka Thakur, who was making her first appearance in the tournament, struck in the opening over to dismiss Dilara Akter. Bangladesh rebuilt through Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary before captain Nigar Sultana played a positive knock of 32 off 27 deliveries.Indian spinners then took control. Radha Yadav produced one of her best performances of the tournament, finishing with 3/28 and removing Mostary (22) and Nigar at crucial stages.Shree Charani continued her outstanding World Cup campaign with figures of 2/21, including two wickets in the final, while conceding just three runs. The world T20I opener’s spell helped prevent Bangladesh from posting a more challenging total.Despite yet another error-ridden display in the field, India’s firepower and disciplined bowling proved too much as they stayed alive in the race for the semi-finals.
