Verma leads chase with second tournament fifty
Shafali Verma continued her rich form in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, smashing 53 off 34 balls to anchor India's chase of 137 against Bangladesh at Old Trafford on Thursday. Her innings included seven boundaries and two sixes, providing the platform for captain Harmanpreet Kaur to finish the match with 19 balls to spare. The win keeps India's semifinal hopes alive after a setback loss to South Africa earlier in the group stage.
Indian spinners dominate after Bangladesh opt to bat
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and chose to bat, but Indian left-arm spinners Radha Yadav and Sree Charani quickly seized control. Yadav finished with 3/28, while Charani picked up two wickets as Bangladesh were held to 136/8 on a flat Old Trafford pitch. India's ground fielding was sloppy — three catches were dropped — but the bowling attack compensated in the death overs.
Must-win clash with Australia awaits
India's victory sets up a decisive group-stage finale against Australia, the tournament favorites. Australia have been dominant in the tournament, and India will need to win to secure a semifinal berth. The match will be played at Bristol on Saturday. India won the 50-over Women's Cricket World Cup in 2025 and are aiming to add the T20 title to their growing trophy cabinet.