India defeat Bangladesh to maintain Women’s T20 World Cup semifinal bid

India defeat Bangladesh to maintain Women’s T20 World Cup semifinal bidShafali Verma’s half-century helps the 50-over world champions reach the target inside 17 overs at Old Trafford.India beat Bangladesh by five wickets in Manchester to bolster their hopes of a semifinal 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 on Thursday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Bangladesh will not play T20 World Cup games in India over safety concernslist 2 of 4Australia captain, women’s cricket great Alyssa Healy to retirelist 3 of 4India now sets the terms of global cricketlist 4 of 4How India-Pakistan cricket relations went from bad to worse – a timelineend of listSouth Africa, meanwhile, capitalised on a maiden T20 international century from Tazmin Brits to overwhelm the Netherlands by 88 runs.That means India and South Africa are now effectively involved in a shootout for the second semifinal spot behind unbeaten Group A leaders Australia.They both have six points, two behind the Australians and two ahead of Bangladesh, who still have a slim mathematical chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, with their last pool match against South Africa at Lord’s on Sunday.India have the better run rate but face the daunting task of toppling Australia in their game on Sunday, which is also at Lord’s.The Indians 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 were never in danger once Brits and Laura Wolvaardt put on 121 for the first wicket.When Wolvaardt departed for 45, Brits continued to cane the Dutch bowlers with Annerie Dercksen, who made 37 not out off 16 balls.Brits finished with 114 not out from 69 balls with 15 fours and three sixes as South Africa finished on 208-1.