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 fielding display to register a crucial Group A victory.Chasing a modest target of 137, India rode on a blistering knock from Shafali Verma, who smashed 53 from just 34 balls to put the result beyond doubt before the chase. The explosive opener dominated 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.The win keeps India in contention for a place in the last four after their costly defeat in South Africa. However, the equation remains simple Harmanpreet KaurThe match of the match, 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 his destructive best, repeatedly using the inside shot to trouble 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 unceremoniously dismissed. Attempting a non-existent single after subbing a delivery from Nahida Akter, he failed to realize that the wicketkeeper had already gathered the ball and broken the stumps.Although there was a brief lull in the middle overs after his dismissal, Jemimah Rodrigues ensured there would be no late drama with a brisk 26 off 15 balls that steered India close to victory.
The woes of the camp continued despite the dominant win
While the result was emphatic, India’s fielding remained a major concern.The side dropped four catches during the powerplay alone, continuing a worrying trend that had also hurt them in the defeat in South Africa. Nandini Sharma, Yastika Bhatia and Radha Yadav they were among the culprits as direct opportunities went begging.Bangladesh opener Juairiya Ferdous was the biggest beneficiary, surviving three missed chances in the first five overs. However, he failed to capitalize fully, scoring 33 off 31 balls before Nandini redeemed himself with a strong return catch.India’s discipline with the ball was also not perfect, with the team conceding seven wides and three no-balls during the innings.
Radha and Charani shine with the ball
Earlier, Bangladesh posted 136/8 after opting to bat first.Renuka Thakur, making her first appearance of the tournament, struck in her opener to dismiss Dilara Akter. Bangladesh rebuilt through Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary before captain Nigar Sultana played a positive knock of 32 from 27 deliveries.India’s spinners have taken 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 his outstanding World Cup campaign with figures of 2/21, including two wickets in the final while conceding just three runs. The world No.1 T20I bowler’s spell helped prevent Bangladesh from posting a more challenging total.Despite another error-strewn display in the field, India’s firepower and disciplined bowling proved too strong as they stayed alive in the race for the semi-finals.