India beat Bangladesh by five wickets in Manchester on Thursday to bolster their hopes of a semi-final place at the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Chasing a modest target of 137 at Old Trafford, opener Shafali Verma struck 53 from 34 balls as India reached their target inside 17 overs.
India and South Africa are now effectively involved in a shoot-out for the second semi-final spot behind unbeaten Group A leaders Australia.
Victory left India two points clear of South Africa and Bangladesh in second spot, but their biggest clash in the tournament will come on Sunday against Australia, with a last-four place up for grabs.
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Bangladesh still have a slim mathematical chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, with their last pool match against South Africa, also at Lord’s on Sunday.
India will likely need to improve their fielding against six-time champions Australia after dropping four catches on Thursday, although Bangladesh were too weak to capitalise as they slumped to 136-8.
Spin again provided the bulk of India’s wickets, with Radha Yadav taking 3-28 and Shree Charani 2-21.
South Africa defeated Netherlands comprehensively by 88 runs at Bristol to boost their Net Run Rate.
Tazmin Britz struck a sublime 114* off 69 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes, propelling her side to massive 208 run total in 20 overs.
In reply, Netherlands were limited to 120-8 in 20 overs as Ayabonga Khaka starred with the ball, picking up a three-wicket haul.
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