India’s chances of reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup take a serious blow Harmanpreet KaurThe team lost to South Africa in Manchester on Sunday.Marizanne Kapp’s unbeaten 81 off 45 balls led South Africa to a six-wicket win and kept their semi-final hopes alive.Batting first, India scored 158 runs for seven. In reply, South Africa chased down the target of 159 in 19.1 overs, aided by Kapu’s innings and Tazmin England’s 40 off 36 balls. Both teams were grouped with unbeaten Australia, with only two teams advancing to the semi-finals. South Africa has already lost to Australia. India’s hopes of adding to the Women’s T20 World Cup title they won at the ODI World Cup last November will now largely depend on the final group games, including next Sunday’s match against Australia in the sell-out main event.
How can India advance to the semi-finals?
India have four points from three games and have two games left in the group stage – against Bangladesh on June 25 and Australia on June 28.They remain second in Group A on net points but level on points with South Africa and Bangladesh.To clinch a semi-final spot, India may need to win the remaining two matches. If they do, South Africa will be expected to advance even if they win their remaining two games, as India’s net rating of 2.511 is much higher than South Africa’s -0.546.If India lose any of their remaining matches, their promotion hopes will depend on South Africa’s results against Bangladesh and Netherlands. If South Africa wins both matches and India loses one, the Proteas will lead on points and advance.Controversy also remains in Bangladesh. They also have games against India and South Africa and will advance if they win both games.Australia is in the strongest position. Defeat anyone Pakistan Or India’s remaining group matches should be enough to seal a semi-final spot.Pakistan and the Netherlands have been eliminated from Group A.
Group B scene
The winner of Wednesday’s England-West Indies match will book a semi-final spot.The losing team may still need to win the final game of the group, depending on other results. Two wins from the remaining games will ensure either England or West Indies top the group.
Can India still reach the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup?
New Zealand, Scotland and Sri Lanka all need to win their remaining two games to remain competitive. Even then, they would need either England or West Indies to lose their remaining two games to have any chance of advancement.Ireland have been knocked out of the competition.
