India beat Bangladesh by five wickets in Manchester on Thursday to revive their hopes of reaching the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals. Chasing a modest target of 137 runs at Old Trafford, India reached the target in just 17 overs, thanks to a brilliant 53 off 34 balls from opener Shafali Verma.
Meanwhile, South Africa also recorded an emphatic 88-run win over the Netherlands, powered by Tazmin Brits' first international T20 century.
The results leave India and South Africa in a straight fight for the second semi-final spot behind unbeaten group leaders Australia. Both sides have six points, two fewer than Australia and two more than Bangladesh. Bangladesh still have a slender mathematical chance of reaching the knockout stage and will face South Africa in their final group match at Lord's on Sunday.
India have a better net run rate but face a tough test against Australia in their last group game at Lord's on Sunday. The team will need to improve their catching after dropping four catches in Thursday's match, though Bangladesh failed to capitalise, scoring only 136-8.
India's spin attack continued to play a key role, with Radha Yadav taking 3-28 and Shree Charani 2-21. In South Africa's match, Brits and Laura Wolvaardt dominated with a 121-run opening partnership. After Wolvaardt departed for 45, Brits kept the pressure on the Netherlands bowlers alongside Annerie Dercksen, who hit an unbeaten 37 off 16 balls.
Brits finished with 114 not out off 69 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes, helping South Africa post 208-1. The Netherlands also started well, with openers Phebe Molkenboer (41) and Sanya Khurana (36) adding 58 runs for the first wicket, but the innings collapsed after their dismissals. Medium-pacer Ayabonga Khaka was the most successful bowler, taking 3-19, while slow left-armer Chloe Tryon claimed 2-16 from four overs.
