India kept their Women's T20 World Cup semifinal hopes alive on Thursday, beating Bangladesh by five wickets at Old Trafford in Manchester, with opener Shafali Verma's brisk half-century guiding the chase of 137 with nearly three overs to spare. Verma struck 53 from just 34 balls as India completed the target inside 17 overs, while spinners Radha Yadav (3-28) and Shree Charani (2-21) had earlier done the bulk of the damage to restrict Bangladesh to 136-8. India's fielding was a concern, however, with four catches dropped during the innings — an error rate they can ill afford when they face six-time champions Australia in their final group game on Sunday at Lord's.

Elsewhere in Group A, South Africa hammered the Netherlands by 88 runs in Bristol, powered by a maiden T20 international century from opener Tazmin Brits, who finished unbeaten on 114 from 69 balls, hitting 15 fours and three sixes. Brits and Laura Wolvaardt put on 121 for the first wicket before Wolvaardt departed for 45, and South Africa eventually posted an imposing 208-1. The Netherlands, whose women's cricket team are making strides on the international stage, offered a promising start through openers Phebe Molkenboer (41) and Sanya Khurana (36), but the innings collapsed once that pair and Sterre Kalis were dismissed, with medium-pacer Ayabonga Khaka taking 3-19 to lead the South African bowling attack.

The results set up a tense finale to Group A. India and South Africa are now locked in a straight shootout for the second semifinal berth, with both sides sitting on six points — two behind unbeaten group leaders Australia and two clear of Bangladesh, who retain a slim mathematical chance of qualifying ahead of their final match against South Africa at Lord's on Sunday. India's superior run rate gives them a slight edge, but they must overcome Australia to feel certain of progressing. The Netherlands, meanwhile, sit bottom of the group with no points from four games and will close out their campaign against a Pakistan side also yet to open their account.

The stakes on Sunday are high for Indian cricket, which has grown into one of the sport's dominant financial and competitive forces. A loss to Australia, combined with a South Africa victory over Bangladesh, could still eliminate India despite their strong performance so far in the tournament. For South Africa, the scenario is simpler — a win over Bangladesh would guarantee their place in the last four regardless of other results.