Colombo: India kept their semifinal hopes alive in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a hard-fought five-wicket win over Bangladesh in a crucial group-stage encounter on Thursday.

Chasing a modest target of 137, India rode on an aggressive half-century from Shafali Verma to complete the task in 16.5 overs. The victory ensured that India remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stage, although their qualification will still depend on other results.

Bangladesh post competitive total despite dropped chances

After being put in to bat, Bangladesh managed to post 136 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. The total, while not imposing, was competitive enough given the pressure of a must-win game for India.

However, India’s fielding once again raised concerns, as they dropped as many as four catches during the innings. These missed opportunities allowed Bangladesh to build partnerships and push their score beyond what could have been a below-par total.

Opener Juairiya Ferdous led the scoring for Bangladesh with a steady 33, while captain Nigar Sultana contributed 32 runs. The duo ensured stability at the top and in the middle overs, helping Bangladesh recover from early setbacks.

Despite the fielding lapses, India’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav was the standout performer, claiming three wickets for 28 runs in her four overs. Her timely breakthroughs halted Bangladesh’s momentum and prevented a bigger total.

The rest of the bowling attack also played its part, maintaining tight lines and restricting the scoring rate during key phases of the innings.

Shafali Verma anchors chase with aggressive knock

India’s chase got off to a brisk start, with Shafali Verma setting the tone early. The opener played a fluent knock of 53 runs off just 34 balls, combining power and precision to put Bangladesh under pressure.

Her innings included a mix of boundaries and calculated risks, ensuring that India stayed ahead of the required run rate. Shafali’s aggressive approach proved crucial in easing the pressure of a must-win situation.

However, India did not have a completely smooth chase. There were a few hiccups in the middle overs as Bangladesh bowlers managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals.

Ritu Moni was the most effective bowler for Bangladesh, finishing with figures of 2 for 29 in her four overs. She, along with her teammates, attempted to pull things back by exploiting the slight nervousness in India’s middle order.

Despite the brief wobble, India maintained control and crossed the finish line with 19 balls to spare.

Fielding concerns remain for India

While the win was crucial, India’s fielding performance remains an area of concern. Dropping four catches in a high-stakes match could have proved costly against a stronger opposition.

The team will need to address these lapses quickly as they move forward in the tournament. Improving fielding standards will be essential if India aim to compete against top teams in the knockout stages.

Semifinal race heats up

With this victory, India have kept their hopes of reaching the semifinals alive. The team now awaits the outcomes of other group matches to determine their final standing.

The win not only boosts India’s points tally but also improves their net run rate, which could play a decisive role in qualification scenarios.

Conclusion: Momentum crucial for India going forward

India’s victory over Bangladesh comes as a timely boost in their campaign. While the batting and bowling departments delivered when it mattered, the team will need to iron out inconsistencies, particularly in fielding.

As the tournament progresses, maintaining momentum and composure will be key. If India can build on this performance and address their shortcomings, they stand a strong chance of making it to the semifinals.

For now, the win keeps their campaign alive and injects much-needed confidence into the squad.