New Delhi: Shafali Verma smashed a sensational half-century to help India beat Bangladesh by 5 wickets in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday, June 25. The Women in Blue wanted to win the match much earlier to boost their net run-rate, but Bangladesh managed to drag it till the end of the 17th over.
Chasing a 138-run target, Shafali provided a flying start and played attacking shots in the initial overs. Marufa Akter dismissed Smriti Mandhana for 8 runs in the third over, but Shafali continued with the same momentum, helping India to reach 63/1 in six overs.
She completed her second World Cup fifty off just 28 balls in the eighth over, taking the team closer to victory. Shafali stitched a 45-run partnership with Yastika Bhatia for the second wicket. She had a brain-fade moment in the ninth over and was stumped after assuming the ball wasn’t near the keeper.
After her dismissal, India lost Yastika and Richa in quick succession, who were promoted to push the NRR. But Jemimah Rodrigues scored 26 off 15 balls and took the team closer to the finishing line. She was removed by Ritu Moni in the 16th over, but captain Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma finished the game.
India drop four catches
Earlier, the Women in Blue delivered a poor fielding performance as Bangladesh posted 136/8 in 20 overs. India have lost their previous game against South Africa due to the poor efforts on the field, and also dropped four catches in the powerplay against Bangladesh.
All four dropped chances were rather easy, but the Indian fielders made a mess of them. Nandni Sharma, Yastika Bhatia and Radha Yadav were among those guilty of dropping catches. Harmanpreet and Co. dropped Juairiya Ferdous thrice by the end of the fifth over. She smashed some fine boundaries but failed to make the most of the luck.
Nandni, who had dropped two catches off consecutive balls, took a brilliant return catch to remove Ferdous. The opener amassed 33 runs off 31 balls. After beating Bangladesh, the Women in Blue need to win their final group match against Australia.
Renuka Thakur played her first game of the tournament and removed Dilara Akter for 4 runs in her very first over. Charani delivered a brilliant final over and picked up two wickets while giving away just three runs.
Unlike her fielding, Radha had a great outing with the ball as she dismissed Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana (32 off 27 balls) and Mostary (22 off 26 balls) in quick succession. Radha picked up 3 wickets, and Shree Charani took two. India will next face Australia in their final group match at Lord’s in London on Sunday, June 28.
