New Delhi: India kept alive their Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes with a convincing five-wicket win over Bangladesh at Old Trafford on Thursday, overcoming another disappointing defensive performance to register a crucial victory in Group A.Chasing a small target of 137, India put the result beyond doubt early in the chase after Shafali Verma’s mammoth knock of 53 off just 34 balls. The explosive opener dominated both pace and spin, helping India post figures of 63/1 in the powerplay, setting the stage for a comfortable chase within 16.5 overs.The win keeps India in the hunt for a spot in the semi-finals after a humiliating defeat at the hands of South Africa. However, the equation is still simple Harmanpreet KaurThe team will likely need to beat Australia in the final group match on June 28 to secure a semi-final spot.Shafali was at her destructive best, unsettling the Bangladesh bowlers with her inside-out shots on several occasions. She notched her second Women’s T20 World Cup 50-run victory in just 29 deliveries and looked set to go even further before being dropped in unusual fashion. She tried to hit a non-existent single after a delivery from Nahida Akter, but she didn’t realize that the wicketkeeper had collected the ball and broke the stumps.Although there was a brief slowdown in the midfield following her dismissal, Jemima Rodriguez Ensuring there was no late drama, a brisk 26 off 15 balls brought India close to victory.
Despite overwhelming victory, defensive issues continue
Despite the impressive results, deployment in India remains a major concern.The team conceded four catches in the powerplay alone, continuing a worrying trend that also hurt them in the loss to South Africa. Nandini Sharma, Yashtika Bhatia Radha Yadav is one of the main culprits, as straightforward opportunities are disappearing.Bangladesh opener Juairiya Ferdous was the biggest beneficiary as she converted three wicket-taking chances in the first five overs. However, she failed to make the most of the opportunity, scoring 33 off 31 balls, before Nandini made amends with a sharp catch.India’s ball-discipline was not flawless either, with the team conceding 7 wickets and 3 no-balls during the innings.
Radha and Charani sparkle on the ball
Earlier, Bangladesh scored 136/8 after electing to bat first.Renuka Thakur, competing for the first time, knocked out Dilara Akter in the opening frame. The Bangladesh team rebuilds through Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary, and captain Nigar Sultana had a positive performance with 32 points in 27 shots.The Indian spinners then took control of the situation. Radha Yadav produced one of her best performances of the tournament, finishing with figures of 3/28, dismissing Mostali (22) and Nigar at the crucial stages.Shree Charani continued her stellar World Cup form with figures of 2/21, including two wickets in the final, while conceding just three runs. The world’s number one T20I bowler’s spell helped Bangladesh prevent a more challenging total.Despite another lapse in performance on the field, India’s batting firepower and disciplined bowling were too strong to keep them alive in the semi-finals race.
