Harmanpreet Kaur-led India suffered a six-wicket defeat against South Africa in their third game of the Women’s T20 World Cup. India managed a total of 158 on the board after opting to bat first. The Women in Blue got a decent start and it looked like they could put on a big total on the board. But India managed a total of 158 in the end. After a slow start, SA bounced back and completed the chase of 159 in 19.1 overs. Harmanpreet hinted at making changes in the playing XI against Bangladesh.
“I think Shree Charani and Shafali bowled really well. They were creating challenges, but unfortunately, other bowlers didn’t support them. I think we always talk about (missed chances), you know, we have to take opportunities at this level, but unfortunately we were not lucky enough today. But I think still we have another two games, and now this is the time to think about those games. Next match, I think still we have two, three more days, and we will sit and rethink what we have to do, and accordingly we will pick the eleven,” she said.
It remains to be seen whether Renuka Thakur makes her return to the final XI. She hasn’t played a game in the ongoing ICC event. The right-arm pacer last played a T20I in April.
How can India qualify for the semi-final?
India will make it to the semi-final if they win their next two games. Though they will also need to keep a better NRR than South Africa or Australia if these two teams also win their next matches.
India can qualify for the semi-final even if they win one game. But for that, they will need other teams to lose their fixtures too. India will crash out if they fail to win their next two games. They are scheduled to face Bangladesh and Australia in their next two games on June 25 and 27, respectively.
