India’s chances of reaching the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 took a serious hit 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 and kept their semi-final hopes alive.First, India scored 158 for seven. In reply, South Africa chased down the target of 159 in 19.1 overs, helped by the innings of Kapp 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 a Women’s T20 World Cup title to the ODI World Cup they won last November will now depend 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 semis?
India have four points from three matches and have two group matches remaining – against Bangladesh on June 25 and Australia on June 28.They remain second in Group A on Net Run Rate, but are level on points with South Africa and Bangladesh.To secure a place in the semi-finals, India will probably need to win the remaining two matches. If they do so, they are expected to qualify even if South Africa win the remaining two matches because 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 depend on South Africa’s results against Bangladesh and the Netherlands. If South Africa win both matches and India lose one of theirs, the Proteas will advance on points and qualify.Bangladesh also remains in contention. They still have matches against India and South Africa, and will qualify if they win both matches.Australia is in the strongest position. A victory against one or the other Pakistan or India in their remaining group matches should be enough to seal a semi-final berth.Pakistan and Netherlands have already been eliminated from Group A.
Group B scenario
The winner of the England-West Indies match on Wednesday will secure a semi-final place.The losing team may still need to win their final group game, depending on other results. Two wins from the remaining matches would guarantee top spot in the group for both England and West Indies.
Can India still reach the semifinals of the Women’s T20 World Cup?
New Zealand, Scotland and Sri Lanka all need to win their remaining matches to stay in contention. Even then, they will need either England or the West Indies to lose their remaining two games to have any chance of progressing.Ireland were eliminated from the tournament.
