Women’s World Cup T20: Shafali Verma fires India past Bangladesh to keep semi-final hopes alive

Shafali Verma (Image credit: BCCI) NEW DELHI: India kept their World T20 Women’s World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a convincing five-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Old Trafford on Thursday, overcoming another fielding disappointment to register a crucial Group A victory.Chasing a modest target of 137, India rode on a blistering knock from Shafali Verma, who smashed 53 off just 34 balls to put the result beyond doubt at the start of the chase. The explosive opener dominated both pace and spin, helping India race to 63/1 and laying the foundation for a comfortable chase completed in just 16.5 overs.The win keeps India in contention for a place in the last four after their costly defeat to South Africa. However, the equation remains straightforward for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side, who are likely to have to overcome Australia in their final group stage match on June 28 to secure a place in the semi-finals.Shafali was at her destructive best, repeatedly using the inside shot to unsettle the Bangladeshi bowlers. She brought up her second Women’s T20 World Cup fifty in just 29 deliveries and looked poised for an even bigger score before she was dismissed in unusual fashion. Attempting a non-existent single after missing a delivery from Nahida Akter, she failed to realize that the keeper had already collected the ball and broke the stumps.Although there was a brief slowdown in the middle part of the game following her dismissal, Jemimah Rodrigues ensured there was no late drama with a blistering 26 off 15 to guide India to victory.

Problems in the field continue despite the dominant victory

While the result was emphatic, Indian commitment remained a major concern.They dropped four catches in the power over alone, continuing a worrying trend that also hurt them in the defeat to South Africa. Nandini Sharma, Yastika Bhatia and Radha Yadav were among the culprits as direct chances were chased.The biggest beneficiary was Bangladeshi opener Juairiya Ferdous, who survived three wasted chances in the first five overs. But she failed to take full advantage, scoring 33 off 31 balls before Nandini redeemed herself with a sharp return.The Indians’ ball discipline wasn’t flawless either, with the team claiming seven wides and three no-balls during the innings.

Radha and Charani shine with the ball

Earlier, Bangladesh posted 136/8 after electing to bat first.Renuka Thakur, making her debut in the tournament, struck in her opener to dismiss Dilara Akter. Bangladesh rebuilt through Ferdous and Sobhana Mostara before skipper Nigar Sultana played a positive knock of 32 off 27 deliveries.Indian spinning mills then took over. Radha Yadav produced one of her best performances of the tournament as she finished with 3/28 to dismiss Mostar (22) and Nigar in the crucial stages.Shree Charani continued her excellent World Cup campaign with figures of 2/21, including two wickets in the final, while conceding just three runs. The world number one T20I bowler’s spell helped prevent Bangladesh from posting a more challenging total.Despite another error-strewn display in the field, India’s batting firepower and disciplined bowling proved too strong as they stayed alive in the race for the semi-finals.

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