Shafali Verma's Fifty Powers India to Crucial T20 World Cup Win Against Bangladesh
India's five-wicket victory at Old Trafford keeps their ICC Women's T20 World Cup semi-final aspirations firmly on track.
The story
At Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday, India Women secured a vital five-wicket win against Bangladesh Women in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh, after winning the toss and opting to bat, posted 136/8 in their 20 overs.
Radha Yadav was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming 3/28. In response, India's chase was anchored by an explosive innings from Shafali Verma, who smashed 53 runs off just 34 balls, including eight fours and one six, earning her the Player of the Match award.
Despite some middle-order jitters, Jemimah Rodrigues' quick 26 off 15 balls and captain Harmanpreet Kaur's steady 14 helped India reach the target in 16.5 overs. This win significantly boosts India's chances of progressing to the semi-finals. Earlier on Thursday, South Africa Women also had a commanding performance, beating Netherlands Women by 88 runs in Bristol, largely due to Tazmin Brits' unbeaten 114, the second-highest individual score in Women's T20 World Cup history.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| India Women vs Bangladesh Women | WT20I | India Women won by 5 wickets | Shafali Verma (53 runs) / Radha Yadav (3/28) |
| South Africa Women vs Netherlands Women | WT20I | South Africa Women won by 88 runs | Tazmin Brits (114* runs) |
Series in play
ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Group stage continues with India and South Africa vying for a semi-final spot in Group 1.
Tables that matter
ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 - Group 1
Position: Australia (1st, 8 pts), India (2nd, 6 pts), South Africa (3rd, 6 pts)
Note: Australia have secured a semi-final spot, while India and South Africa are in contention for the second spot, separated by Net Run Rate.
ICC Women's T20I Bowler Rankings
Position: Shree Charani (India) - 1st
Note: India's 21-year-old spinner Shree Charani ascended to the top spot in the latest rankings, dethroning England's Linsey Smith, following her strong performance in the T20 World Cup.
What we'll be watching
- June 27 — Sri Lanka Women vs Scotland Women [T20I], ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026
- June 27 — Pakistan Women vs Netherlands Women [T20I], ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026
- June 27 — West Indies Women vs Ireland Women [T20I], ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026
- June 27 — England Women vs New Zealand Women [T20I], ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, The Kia Oval, London
- June 28 — Australia vs India [T20I], ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, Lord's, London
- June 28 — South Africa vs Bangladesh [T20I], ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, Lord's, London
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