India Women boosted their hopes of reaching the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a victory over Bangladesh Women in a Group A clash. The Women in Blue's qualification chances now depend on the final group-stage match against Australia, along with the outcome of South Africa's remaining fixture.
India defeated Bangladesh by five wickets at Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday, June 25. After choosing to bowl, Radha Yadav (3/28) and Shree Charani (2/21) restricted Bangladesh to 136/8. Shafali Verma smashed 53 off 34 balls. Charani became India's highest wicket-taker in a single Women's T20 World Cup edition
India Women's Semi-final Qualification Scenarios Explained
Following their victory over Bangladesh, India remained second in the Group A standings of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. They have six points from four matches with a net run rate of +2.268. The team will face Australia in their final group match at Lord's on Sunday.
A win over Australia will take India to eight points and strengthen their semi-final hopes. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led team India will finish with eight points.
If India lose to Australia, their qualification will depend on other results. They will need South Africa to lose their remaining match so that both teams finish on six points, with net run rate deciding the second semi-final spot.
However, if South Africa win their remaining match and India lose to Australia, South Africa will finish on eight points and qualify. India will remain on six points and be eliminated from the tournament.
Group A Qualification Scenarios
Australia are at the top of the Group A standings with eight points from four matches and a net run rate of +4.724. Although they have not officially qualified, their unbeaten record and superior net run rate leave them in a very strong position to reach the semi-finals.
If Australia lose to India and South Africa win their remaining match, all three teams could finish on eight points. However, Australia's excellent net run rate makes it highly likely they will still finish at the top of the group.
South Africa are third with six points from three matches and a net run rate of +0.734. The Proteas must win their remaining match and hope India lose to Australia to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Bangladesh have four points after their defeat to India. Even if they beat South Africa to finish on six points, their poor net run rate means they are unlikely to qualify for the semi-finals.
Group B Qualification Scenarios
England have already secured a semi-final place after winning all four of their group matches. West Indies are second with six points and will qualify if they beat Ireland in their final Group B match.
New Zealand and Sri Lanka both have four points and remain in the race for the second semi-final spot. If the West Indies lose, either team can move ahead by winning their final match, depending on net run rate.
New Zealand hold a better net run rate than the West Indies and Sri Lanka. A win over England, combined with a West Indies defeat, would almost certainly send the White Ferns into the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka must beat Scotland by a big margin and hope England defeat New Zealand while Ireland upset the West Indies. They also need the results to improve their net run rate enough to move into the top two.
