Tigresses’ semi hopes hanging by a thread after India loss

Bangladesh’s hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup were hanging by a thread following their five-wicket loss to neighbours India in Manchester on Thursday.

Chasing the Tigresses’ tally of 136/8, the Indians reached their destination with 19 balls to spare to enhance their chances of advancing to the last four.

Opener Shafali Verma top-scored for her side with a brilliant 34-ball 53, studded with eight fours and a six, while Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia contributed 26 and 23 respectively.

Ritu Moni bagged two wickets for the women in red and green, while Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan and Nahida Akter all picked up one scalp each.

Earlier, batting first, Bangladesh thought they put on a fighting total, riding on opening batter Juairiya Ferdous’ 31-ball 33, featuring five boundaries, and captain Nigar Sultana Joty’s 27-ball 32, laced with four fours.

Sobhana Mostary added 22 while Shorna Akter hit a 10-ball 13 later on to boost Bangladesh’s total.

India’s Radha Yadav took three wickets while Shree Charani notched two.

Bangladesh are currently fourth in the Group 1 standings with four points from as many matches.

They will take on South Africa in their final group clash.

Record six-time champions Australia sit pretty at the top with eight points from four matches while India are second with six points from four games.

South Africa, with fours points from three matches, are ahead of Bangladesh in third owing to a superior net run rate.

Not only must Bangladesh beat South Africa, they need favourable results elsewhere in order to make it through to the semis.