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By Ishaan Kapoor — 25 June 2026 — 4 min read

India secures crucial victory in Women’s T20 World Cup

India defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, a result that significantly boosts their semi-final aspirations. The match, held at Old Trafford, saw India successfully chase down a target of 137 runs with 3.1 overs remaining. This victory places India second in Group A with three wins from four matches, positioning them favorably ahead of their upcoming fixture against Australia.

Despite some fielding challenges, India managed to restrict Bangladesh to 136 for eight in their 20 overs. Radha Yadav was a key performer with the ball, taking three for 28. Her efforts were crucial in limiting the opposition’s scoring opportunities, especially after an early dropped catch. Sree Charani also contributed significantly, securing two wickets for 21 runs, including two in the final over of Bangladesh‘s innings.

Verma’s rapid fifty sets the tone

Shafali Verma delivered a player-of-the-match performance, scoring a rapid half-century from just 29 balls. Her aggressive batting at the start of the chase was instrumental in setting a strong foundation for India. Verma‘s innings included eight fours and she was eventually dismissed after contributing 53 runs from 34 balls. Her early acceleration was vital for India‘s net run-rate, which could be a decisive factor later in the tournament.

The opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana yielded 31 runs before Mandhana was caught for eight. Despite Verma‘s strong start, India experienced a brief wobble in the middle order. Yastika Bhatia, who made 23 runs, was also dismissed after looking well-set. Richa Ghosh, promoted up the order, was reprieved on an LBW call before eventually falling.

At one point, India‘s score stood at 98 for four, creating a moment of tension. However, Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings. Rodrigues scored 26 runs from 15 balls, including three fours and a six, while Kaur remained unbeaten on 13 runs from 14 balls. Their partnership ensured India crossed the finish line with 19 balls to spare, securing the five-wicket win.

Bangladesh’s innings and India’s bowling effort

Bangladesh, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, struggled to build significant momentum. Juairiya Ferdous was the top-scorer for Bangladesh with 33 runs from 31 balls, an innings that included five fours. She was dropped three times by India, allowing her to contribute to a 51-run partnership with Sobhana Mostary.

Nigar Sultana, the Bangladesh captain, also made a contribution of 32 runs from 27 balls, featuring four fours. Sobhana Mostary added 22 runs to the total. Despite these individual efforts and partnerships, Bangladesh found it difficult to accelerate their run rate against India‘s bowling attack. Renuka Singh Thakur claimed her first wicket of the tournament early on, dismissing Dilara Akter.

Radha Yadav‘s performance with the ball was particularly noteworthy, especially after she had dropped a catch earlier in the innings. Her three wickets for 28 runs helped to contain Bangladesh‘s scoring. Sree Charani‘s impressive spell yielded two wickets, further contributing to restricting Bangladesh to a total of 136 for eight.

Tournament implications and upcoming fixtures

This victory is crucial for India‘s campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, keeping their semi-final hopes alive. They currently sit behind Australia in Group A, who are virtually assured of a place in the semi-finals. India‘s next challenge will be against Australia at Lord’s, a match that is anticipated to be a significant encounter in the group stage.

Bangladesh, with two wins and two defeats, is currently fourth in Group A. The competition for the semi-final spots remains tight, with South Africa also in contention and reportedly having an advantageous position with easier opponents in their remaining matches. The outcome of the upcoming matches will determine which teams advance to the final four of the tournament.

The match highlighted India‘s determination to improve their net run-rate, a factor that could prove critical in the later stages of the tournament. The team will aim to carry this momentum into their next fixture against Australia at Lord’s.

Source: icc-cricket.com