Bangladesh suffered a five-wicket defeat to India in their fourth match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, leaving their hopes of reaching the semi-finals hanging by a thread. The victory kept India firmly in the race for a last-four spot.
After winning the toss in Manchester on Thursday (June 25), Bangladesh elected to bat first and posted 136 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. India chased down the target comfortably, reaching 139 for 5 in just 16.5 overs with 19 balls to spare.
The defeat leaves Bangladesh fourth in the group standings with four points from four matches, while India climbed to second place with six points from the same number of games.
Bangladesh lost opener Dilara Akter for just four runs in the second over before Juyairiya and Sobhana Mostary steadied the innings with a 51-run partnership off 42 balls. Juyairiya struck five boundaries in her 33, while Sobhana contributed 22.
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty then combined with Sharmin Akter in a 27-run stand for the fourth wicket, taking Bangladesh past the 100-run mark. Nigar scored a brisk 32 off 27 balls, including four boundaries, before being dismissed.
After Nigar's departure, Sharmin retired hurt on 10 and Ritu Moni was dismissed for eight. A late cameo from Swarna Akter, who made 13 off 10 balls, helped Bangladesh finish on 136 for 8—their highest total when batting first in Women's T20 World Cup history.
In reply, India were powered by an explosive half-century from opener Shafali Verma. She smashed 53 off just 34 balls, hitting eight fours and a six, while Jemimah Rodrigues added 26 as India completed the chase with ease.
Despite claiming five Indian wickets, Bangladesh failed to defend their total. Ritu Moni picked up two wickets, while Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan and Nahida Akter claimed one wicket each.
Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match for her match-winning knock.
Bangladesh will face South Africa in their fifth and final group-stage match on June 28, where they must win and rely on other results to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
