An explosive batting masterclass from opener Shafali Verma powered India Women to a commanding five-wicket victory over Bangladesh Women in the 23rd match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Playing in Group 1 at Manchester on June 25, 2026, the Women in Blue put on a clinical display in all departments, chasing down a target of 137 with 19 balls to spare. The comprehensive win significantly strengthens India’s position in the tournament, thanks to a balanced bowling effort followed by a batting blitzkrieg that left the Bangladeshi bowlers with answers.
India halts Bangladesh for a low score
Electing to bat first, Bangladesh struggled to break free against a disciplined and clinical Indian bowling attack. Opener Dilara Akter fell early for just 4 runs, caught by Shree Charani off Renuka Singh‘s bowling in the second over. Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary then staged a brief recovery, building a 50-run partnership for the second wicket. Ferdous contributed a steady 33 off 31 deliveries, including four boundaries, while Mostary anchoring with 22 off 26 balls.
However, India’s spin department soon choked the run flow. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav broke the back of the Bangladeshi middle order, turning the game sharply in India’s favour. Radha finished with impressive figures of 3 for 28 in her 4 overs, dismissing Mostary, Ritu Moni (8), and cleanly stumping the dangerous Bangladesh skipper, Nigar Sultana. Sultana was the top-scorer for her side, fighting hard with a 27-ball 32 that featured four boundaries, but her dismissal in the 17th over derailed the death-overs acceleration.
An economical spell from Deepti Sharma (0/23) and crucial breakthroughs from seamer Shree Charani (2/12) kept the pressure relentless. Bangladesh suffered a late-order collapse, losing their final five wickets for just 30 runs. They were eventually restricted to a below-par score of 136 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Shafali Verma’s explosive innings guides India to a convincing victory over Bangladesh
India’s chase was defined by absolute authority right from the first ball. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma came out firing, taking the game completely away from Bangladesh during an explosive Powerplay. The duo brought up India’s 50 in a mere 4.4 overs. While Mandhana was dismissed for 8 off Marufa Akter, she played a perfect supporting role to an absolute storm at the other end.
Verma took the center stage, blasting a magnificent 53 runs off just 34 balls. The dynamic opener reached her half-century in just 29 deliveries, punishing the opposition bowling lineup with eight blistering boundaries and a massive six. Verma’s aggressive approach ensured that India stayed well ahead of the required run rate, maintaining a roaring team run rate of over eight runs per over. By the time she was stumped by Sultana off Nahida Akter‘s bowling in the 9th over, she had already set up an unassailable foundation at 76 for 2.
Yastika Bhatia (23 off 18 balls) and Jemimah Rodrigues (26 off 15 balls) kept the momentum alive with sharp, quick-fire cameos. Despite a minor hiccup in the middle overs where Rabeya Khan and Ritu Moni picked up quick wickets, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (13* off 14 balls) and Deepti Sharma stayed calm. India comfortably crossed the finish line in 16.5 overs, finishing at 139 for 5. Verma was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for her match-winning, blazing knock.
India beat Bangladesh to keep their campaign alive in #T20WorldCup 💪#INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/pvqE4Wqmk8
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) June 26, 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
