India beat Bangladesh by five wickets in Manchester, chasing down 137 in 16.5 overs to keep their Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive
Shafali Verma starred with a blazing 53 off 34 balls, setting up the chase, while Radha Yadav (3/28) led a disciplined bowling effort
India’s fielding remained a concern with multiple dropped catches and extras
India defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Thursday, with Shafali Verma’s explosive half-century guiding them to a comfortable chase.
Chasing 137 for victory, India reached the target in 16.5 overs to strengthen their position in Group A and keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Bangladesh managed to put up 136/8 after choosing to bat first, but India’s fielding remained a major concern as they missed four chances inside the powerplay.
Juairiya Ferdous benefited the most from India’s mistakes, receiving three lifelines before eventually being dismissed for 33. Despite the fielding lapses, India’s bowlers kept finding breakthroughs to prevent Bangladesh from posting a bigger total.
Radha Yadav was the standout performer with the ball, returning figures of 3/28 and breaking Bangladesh’s middle order. She removed both Sobhana Mostary and captain Nigar Sultana in quick succession to halt Bangladesh’s progress.
Renuka Singh, playing her first match of the tournament after recovering from injury, made an instant impact by taking a wicket in her opening over, while Shree Charani delivered a sensational final over to finish with two wickets and restrict Bangladesh’s late charge.
India’s chase got off to a shaky start after Smriti Mandhana fell early, but Shafali launched a counterattack that changed the course of the match.
The opener smashed 53 off just 34 deliveries, taking on Bangladesh’s bowlers with aggressive strokeplay and bringing up her fifty in 29 balls. Her dismissal in the ninth over briefly opened the door for Bangladesh after she was caught short while attempting a needless single.
Bangladesh sensed an opportunity when India slipped from a dominant position to 98/4 after quick dismissals of Yastika Bhatia and Richa Ghosh.
However, Jemimah Rodrigues calmed the nerves with a rapid 26 off 15 balls, while Harmanpreet Kaur added 13 to ensure India crossed the finish line without further setbacks.
The victory kept India’s semi-final hopes alive, but their fielding woes remained a concern after another error-filled outing on the field. India will now face a must-win challenge against six-time champions Australia on June 28, with a place in the knockout stage at stake.
The match also marked a historic moment for Shree Charani, who became the Indian bowler with the most wickets in a single Women’s T20 World Cup edition, surpassing Poonam Yadav’s record of 10 wickets from the 2020 tournament.
Most wickets By Indian In Women's T20 World Cup (Single Edition)
Shree Charani (2026): 12*
Poonam Yadav (2020): 10
Diana David (2010): 9
Poonam Yadav (2014): 8
Radha Yadav (2018): 8
