Despite posting their highest-ever World Cup team total, Bangladesh lost to India.

Bangladesh’s record-breaking batting effort at the Women’s T20 World Cup ultimately proved insufficient as India secured a five-wicket victory in a crucial Group One encounter in Manchester, strengthening their semi-final hopes while leaving Bangladesh facing a difficult path to the knockout stage.

Despite posting their highest-ever total in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup, Bangladesh were unable to capitalise on the advantage. A dropped catch in the opening over of India’s innings proved to be one of the defining moments of the match, allowing Indian opener Shafali Verma to play a match-winning knock that shifted momentum decisively in her team’s favour.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty elected to bat first. Her side responded with a determined batting display, compiling 136 for eight from their allotted 20 overs. It was a competitive total and one that reflected improvements in Bangladesh’s batting approach, particularly after a tournament in which run-scoring consistency had often been a concern.

Bangladesh’s innings began with an early setback when opener Dilara Akter fell for four in the second over. Attempting a pull shot against Renuka Singh, she found a fielder at deep square leg and departed with just eight runs on the board.

The early dismissal placed pressure on the middle order, but Juwairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary responded with composure. India’s fielders failed to convert several catching opportunities during the powerplay, and the Bangladesh pair made full use of those reprieves. By the end of the first six overs, Bangladesh had reached 40 for one, laying a platform for a competitive total.

The second-wicket partnership became the backbone of the innings. Juwairiya and Sobhana added valuable runs while rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries. Their stand was eventually broken by Nandini Sharma, who dismissed Juwairiya for 33 from 31 balls. Her innings included five boundaries and provided Bangladesh with much-needed stability.

Sobhana attempted to accelerate the scoring rate but was dismissed for 22 after advancing down the pitch against Radha Yadav and finding a fielder at mid-off. Captain Nigar Sultana then took responsibility for maintaining momentum. She played several attractive strokes and scored 32 runs from 27 deliveries before falling while trying to increase the scoring rate during the latter stages of the innings.

Useful late contributions from Sharmin Akter Supta (10 off 12 balls), Ritu Moni (8 off four balls) and Swarna Akter (13 off 10 balls) helped Bangladesh reach 136, their highest total in Women’s T20 World Cup competition.

India’s chase, however, began with a significant turning point. In the opening over, Shafali Verma edged a delivery from Marufa Akter behind the stumps. The chance appeared straightforward, but wicketkeeper Nigar Sultana was unable to hold on. It was an error that Bangladesh would soon regret.

Shafali responded with a characteristically aggressive innings, attacking both pace and spin with confidence. She struck boundaries regularly and quickly placed Bangladesh’s bowlers under pressure. Although Marufa removed Smriti Mandhana for eight, India’s scoring rate remained high.

The Indian opener raced to her half-century from just 29 deliveries and ensured her side remained firmly in control of the chase. By the end of the powerplay, India had surged to 63 for one, effectively neutralising the pressure of chasing a challenging target.

Bangladesh briefly fought back through left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, who stumped Shafali for a superb 53 from 34 balls, an innings featuring eight fours and a six. Nahida also removed Shafali’s opening partner, Swastika Bhatia, for 23, giving Bangladesh a glimmer of hope.

The match tightened further when Rabeya Khan trapped Richa Ghosh leg before wicket for 10. Bangladesh also had an opportunity to dismiss Jemimah Rodrigues through a run-out chance, but the opportunity went begging. Rodrigues capitalised on the reprieve, scoring a valuable 26 from 15 deliveries before being dismissed by Ritu Moni.

By then, however, India had moved within touching distance of victory. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma calmly guided their side through the closing stages, reaching the target with 19 balls to spare and securing a five-wicket win.

The result highlighted the fine margins that often determine outcomes at major tournaments. Bangladesh produced one of their strongest batting performances in Women’s T20 World Cup history, but missed opportunities in the field proved costly. For India, Shafali Verma’s explosive innings and disciplined chase reinforced their credentials as serious contenders for a place in the semi-finals.

With the group stage entering its decisive phase, Bangladesh now face mounting pressure to secure positive results in their remaining fixtures if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive.