India defeat Bangladesh to keep Women's T20 World Cup semifinal hopes alive
Shafali Verma's half-century led India to a five-wicket win over Bangladesh, keeping them in contention for a semifinal spot in the Women's T20 World Cup.
India boosted their chances of reaching the Women's T20 World Cup semifinals with a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Old Trafford on Thursday. Chasing 137, opener Shafali Verma scored 53 off 34 balls to help India reach the target in 17 overs. Bangladesh had earlier managed 136-8, with Indian spinners Radha Yadav (3-28) and Shree Charani (2-21) doing the damage.
In the other Group A match, South Africa crushed the Netherlands by 88 runs, thanks to Tazmin Brits' maiden T20 international century. Brits remained unbeaten on 114 off 69 balls, sharing a 121-run opening stand with Laura Wolvaardt (45). South Africa posted 208-1 before bowling out the Netherlands for 120, with Ayabonga Khaka taking 3-19.
The results leave India and South Africa both on six points, two behind leaders Australia and two ahead of Bangladesh. The two teams are effectively competing for the second semifinal spot, with India facing Australia and South Africa taking on Bangladesh on Sunday. India will need to improve their fielding after dropping four catches against Bangladesh, though the opponent failed to capitalize.
