India Vs Bangladesh: Women’s T20 World Cup: Shafali Verma fires India past Bangladesh to keep semifinal hopes alive | Cricket News

Shafali Verma (Pic credit: BCCI)

NEW DELHI: India kept their Women’s T20 World Cup semifinal hopes alive with a convincing five-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Old Trafford on Thursday, overcoming yet another disappointing fielding display to register a crucial win in Group A.Chasing a modest target of 137, India rode on a blistering knock from Shafali Verma, who smashed 53 off just 34 balls to put the result beyond doubt early in the chase. The explosive opener dominated both pace and spin, helping India race to 63/1 in the powerplay and laying the foundation for a comfortable chase completed in just 16.5 overs.The victory keeps India in contention for a place in the last four after their costly defeat to South Africa. However, the equation remains straightforward for Harmanpreet Kaur‘s side, who will likely need to overcome Australia in their final group-stage fixture on June 28 to secure a semifinal berth.Shafali was at her destructive best, repeatedly using the inside-out shot to unsettle the Bangladesh bowlers. She brought up her second Women’s T20 World Cup fifty in just 29 deliveries and looked set for an even bigger score before being dismissed in unusual fashion. Attempting a non-existent single after under-edging a delivery from Nahida Akter, she failed to realise the wicketkeeper had already gathered the ball and broken the stumps.Though there was a brief slowdown in the middle overs following her dismissal, Jemimah Rodrigues ensured there would be no late drama with a brisk 26 off 15 balls that guided India close to victory.

Fielding woes continue despite 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 to South Africa. Nandini Sharma, Yastika Bhatia and Radha Yadav were among the culprits as straightforward chances went begging.Bangladesh opener Juairiya Ferdous was the biggest beneficiary, surviving three dropped chances inside the first five overs. However, she failed to fully capitalise, scoring 33 off 31 balls before Nandini redeemed herself with a sharp return catch.India’s discipline with the ball was also not flawless, 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 opening over 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 then took control. Radha Yadav delivered one of her best performances of the tournament, finishing with 3/28 and removing both Mostary (22) and Nigar at crucial stages.Shree Charani continued her outstanding World Cup campaign with figures of 2/21, including two wickets in the final over 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 batting firepower and disciplined bowling proved too strong as they stayed alive in the race for the semifinals.