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India women's cricket team - (Source: AFP)
On Thursday, India women delivered when it mattered and registered a 5-wicket win over Bangladesh to stay alive in the race for the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side have now strengthened their hold at 2nd place in Group A of the table.
Before the match, India and Bangladesh both had 4 points in three matches. A defeat would mean a step closer to group-stage exit. However, the Women in Blue braved the task and overpowered Bangladesh across all departments.
Now, with just one match left in the group stages, the fans are curious about India's women’s qualification chances. Therefore, this article will shed light on India's qualification scenario for the T20 World Cup 2026 semis.
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-final Qualification Scenario Explained
Scenario 1 - Win vs Australia
If South Africa win one of two matches
India have just a solitary match left in the T20 World Cup 2026 group stage. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will lock horns against Australia on Sunday. If the Women in Blue win that match, they will have 8 points and pray for South Africa to lose one of their two matches.
Also Read: India Drop Record 4 Catches In 19 Balls vs Bangladesh; Face Heavy Backlash
Notably, South Africa also have 4 points in 3 matches, and they have games left against Bangladesh and the Netherlands. India have a much better net run-rate than the Proteas. So, they want the Women in Green to lose one of their matches so that India and Australia both qualify with 8 points, and South finish the campaign with 6 points.
If South Africa win both their matches
However, if South Africa wins their remaining two matches, they will have 8 points, which means that India, South Africa, and Australia all three teams will have 8 points. Hence, the two teams with the better net-run rate will go through.
At present, India have a net run-rate of +3.00. Australia, on the other hand, have a +4.745 net run-rate. South Africa have a net run-rate of -0.546.
Scenario 2- Defeat vs Australia
If India lose against Australia, then the Women in Yellow will advance to the semi-finals with 10 points. India will finish their campaign with 6 points and pray for either the Netherlands or Bangladesh to beat South Africa, so that the Proteas also have 6 points, and then India go through with a better net run-rate.
Now, if South Africa lose their remaining two matches, then India will advance to the semi-finals by finishing 2nd on the table.
India Women Put Dominant Show vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. The Tigressess lost an early wicket but then stitched a crucial 2nd wicket pair. However, Radha Yadav and Shree Charani picked up 5 wickets combined and rattled Bangladesh.
The Nigar Sultana-led side put 136 runs on the board. In reply, Shafali Varma slammed a quickfire fifty. India lost four wickets but chased down the target with 19 balls left.
Also Read: Shree Charani Becomes India's Most Successful Bowler In A Women's T20 World Cup Edition
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