India’s chances of reaching the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 have suffered a serious blow after Harmanpreet KaurThe team lost to South Africa in Manchester on Sunday.Marizanne Kapp’s unbeaten 81 off 45 balls guided South Africa to a six-wicket win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.Batting first, India scored 158 for seven. In reply, South Africa reached a target of 159 in 19.1 overs, helped by Kapp’s innings and Tazmin Brits’ 40 off 36 balls.Both teams are in the same group as unbeaten Australia, with only two teams progressing to the semi-finals. South Africa have already lost to Australia. India’s hopes of adding the Women’s T20 ODI World Cup title to the World Cup they won last November will now hinge heavily on their final group stage matches, including a clash against Australia at a sold-out Lord’s next Sunday.
How can India qualify for the semi-finals?
India have four points from three games and two more group games – against Bangladesh on June 25 and Australia on June 28.They are still second in Group A in Net Run Rate, but are tied with South Africa and Bangladesh on points.To secure a place in the semi-finals, India are likely to have to win both their remaining matches. If they do, they are expected to qualify even if South Africa win both their remaining matches as India’s Net Run Rate of 2.511 is much better than South Africa’s -0.546.If India lose any of their remaining matches, their qualification hopes will hinge on South Africa’s results against Bangladesh and the Netherlands. If South Africa win both of those matches and India lose one of theirs, the Proteas will advance on points and qualify.Bangladesh also remains in contention. They still have games against India and South Africa and will qualify if they win both games.Australia is in the strongest position. Win against any Pakistan or India in their remaining group games should be enough to qualify for the semi-finals.Pakistan and the Netherlands have already been eliminated from Group A.
Group B scenario
The winner of the England v West Indies match on Wednesday will secure a place in the semi-finals.The losing team may still need to win the final group game, depending on other results. Two wins in the remaining matches would guarantee top spot in the group for either England or the West Indies.New Zealand, Scotland and Sri Lanka need to win both of their remaining games to stay in the competition. Even then, either England or the West Indies would need to lose both of their remaining games to have any chance of progressing.Ireland was eliminated from the tournament.
