Manchester: Every successful World Cup campaign reaches a crossroads. For India, that moment arrived at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
After surrendering crucial ground in a six-wicket defeat to South Africa, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side walked into their contest against Bangladesh knowing that another slip would put their semifinal hopes in danger. Instead of crumbling under pressure, India produced a mature, calculated performance to register a five-wicket victory with 19 balls to spare, moving a step closer to the last four of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The result not only increased India’s net run rate, which was already impressive, but also propelled the team to six points from four matches in anticipation of a thrilling final league match against the defending champions, Australia, at Lord’s.
Radha turns frustration into match-winning impact
The afternoon did not begin according to India’s script. Fielding, which had already come under scrutiny after the South Africa defeat, threatened to haunt the team once again. Bangladesh opener Juairiya Ferdous was handed three reprieves as India spilt chances inside the powerplay. Sobhana Mostary also survived a dropped opportunity, allowing Bangladesh to stitch together a useful 51-run opening stand.
On another day, those lapses could have proved costly. Instead, Radha Yadav transformed the narrative.
Having endured a difficult outing in the field, the experienced left-arm spinner responded in the best possible manner with the ball. She broke Bangladesh’s momentum in the middle overs and finished with outstanding figures of 3 for 28, dismissing Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun and Marufa Akter. Her spell ensured Bangladesh never escaped India’s grip.
Renuka Singh Thakur also opened her account in this World Cup with an early breakthrough, while the impressive Shree Charani once again demonstrated why she has emerged as India’s biggest bowling revelation, claiming two wickets in the final over as Bangladesh closed on a below-par 136 for 8.
Although Juairiya (33) and captain Nigar Sultana (32) showed resistance, Bangladesh struggled to accelerate. India’s bowlers repeatedly halted their progress whenever partnerships threatened to flourish.
Shafali’s counterattack sets the tone
If Radha wrestled control back with the ball, Shafali Verma seized it with the bat. The explosive opener survived an early chance when Bangladesh failed to hold on to a catch in the opening over. She quickly punished the opposition. Playing with complete freedom, Shafali attacked anything loose, racing to a 29-ball half-century decorated with eight boundaries. Her aggressive approach entirely changed the complexion of the chase and ensured the required run rate never became a concern. It was exactly the kind of innings India had been waiting for from one of their most destructive batters.
Smriti Mandhana departed cheaply once again, while Shafali eventually fell after scoring a fluent 53 off 34 balls, but by then India had already gained complete control of the contest. There were a few anxious moments when Bangladesh briefly slowed the scoring and reduced India to 98 for four. However, Jemimah Rodrigues produced another composed innings, scoring 26, while Harmanpreet Kaur calmly guided the chase to the finish with an unbeaten 13.
More importantly, India completed the chase with more than three overs remaining, giving a valuable boost to their net run rate.
Positives tempered by familiar concerns
The victory showcased India’s resilience. Their bowling attack continues to evolve into one of the most balanced units in the tournament, with the spin trio of Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav and Shree Charani consistently controlling the middle overs. Shafali’s return to form is another significant boost before the Australia challenge. Yet the fielding remains a genuine concern.
Four dropped catches in the first six overs against Bangladesh followed missed opportunities against South Africa. Against a side as clinical as Australia, such mistakes could prove decisive.
Semifinal Door Opens Wider
The victory has dramatically improved India’s qualification equation. With six points from four matches and a superior net run rate, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team now has multiple routes to the semifinals.
A victory over Australia at Lord’s will guarantee qualification. Even if India fall short in that contest, they can still progress, provided South Africa fail to win one of their remaining matches against the Netherlands or Bangladesh. Thanks to commanding victories over Pakistan, the Netherlands and now Bangladesh, India’s healthy net run rate gives them an important advantage should teams finish level on points.
A team growing under pressure
Championship-winning teams are rarely flawless. They simply find ways to respond when expectations are highest. India’s performance against Bangladesh was not their most complete display of the tournament. The catching left much to be desired, and the middle order still has room for improvement.
But the character shown after the South Africa setback may ultimately prove far more valuable than a one-sided victory. With confidence restored, Shafali back among the runs, Radha rediscovering her match-winning touch and the spin attack operating with increasing authority, India now head to Lord’s believing their World Cup campaign remains firmly in their hands.
The toughest challenge of the group stage still awaits. But unlike a few days ago, India will walk onto cricket’s most iconic ground carrying momentum rather than uncertainty.
