Match Preview: India Women vs Bangladesh Women – ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Date: June 25, 2026
Time: 14:30 GMT (20:00 IST)
Venue: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
Tournament: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, Group A, Match 23

As the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 reaches a critical juncture, India Women will look to solidify their semi-final credentials when they face Bangladesh Women at the historic Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. While the contest features two teams with vastly different recent form, the match holds significant narrative weight: India aims to maintain their dominance, while Bangladesh seeks to end a long losing streak against their arch-rivals.

Match Context and Stakes

For India, this fixture is a "must-win" scenario to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Having entered the tournament with high expectations, Harmanpreet Kaur's side needs a commanding performance to ensure they finish at the top of Group A. Conversely, Bangladesh Women, led by captain Nigar Sultana, will be fighting for pride and to avoid a heavy defeat after a challenging campaign.

The head-to-head record is heavily skewed in favor of the visitors from India. The two sides have met 23 times in WT20Is, with India winning 20 encounters. The momentum is squarely on India's side, having won the last five consecutive matches against Bangladesh, including a staggering 10-wicket victory in their most recent meeting in July 2024.

Pitch and Weather Report

The Emirates Old Trafford has proven to be a balanced venue during this tournament, offering an average first-innings score of 163.7.

• Pitch Conditions: The surface is expected to be friendly for batters, particularly in the powerplay. However, seamers should find assistance with the new ball, and the pitch is likely to slow down as the game progresses, aiding spinners in the middle overs.
• Weather Forecast: Manchester is expected to see partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging between 16°C and 18°C. With humidity around 70%, there is a 40% chance of light drizzle. While a full match is anticipated, the overcast conditions could provide extra swing for the fast bowlers early on.

Key Players to Watch

India Women

• Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain): The tournament's leading run-scorer for India with 159 runs in three innings, Mandhana is the linchpin of the top order. Her ability to dominate both pace and spin makes her the favorite to anchor a big total.
• Shree Charani: Emerging as India's standout bowler, the left-arm spinner has taken 10 wickets at a stunning average of 6.40. Her control in the middle overs will be crucial to stifling Bangladesh's batting lineup.
• Richa Ghosh: Known for her explosive finishing, Ghosh has struck at a rate of 176.92 in the tournament. Her ability to accelerate in the death overs could prove decisive.

Bangladesh Women

• Nigar Sultana (Captain): As the anchor of the batting lineup, Sultana's experience is vital. She will need to rotate strike effectively and guide the innings against India's formidable bowling attack.
• Shorna Akter: The lower-middle order batter recently produced a match-winning knock of 39* off 22 balls against Pakistan. Her ability to find gaps and accelerate will be Bangladesh's best hope for a competitive total.
• Sanjida Akter Meghla: The left-arm spinner has been Bangladesh's most consistent bowler, taking four wickets at an economy of 6.25. Containing India's top order will be her primary objective.

Team News and Probable XIs

India Women (Probable XI):
Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy / Renuka Singh, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma.

Bangladesh Women (Probable XI):
Nigar Sultana (C & WK), Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sobhana Mostary, Sharmin Akhter, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter, Sanjida Akter Meghla.

Toss and Strategy

Historically at Emirates Old Trafford during this World Cup, teams have preferred to bat first in two out of three matches. With the pitch expected to slow down later, captains may opt to set a target. However, given the overcast conditions, bowling first to take advantage of the new ball under cloudy skies remains a viable option.

Score Prediction

• If India Bat First: With a strong top order led by Mandhana and Verma, India is projected to post a competitive total in the range of 165-175 runs.
• If Bangladesh Bat First: Facing India's lethal spin attack and aggressive pacers, Bangladesh may struggle to find rhythm, likely finishing in the 115-125 range.

Final Verdict and Winning Probability

India Women enter this contest as overwhelming favorites. Their batting depth, combined with the exceptional form of Shree Charani and the experience of their top order, gives them a clear advantage. Bangladesh will need a near-flawless performance from their spinners and a breakthrough from Shorna Akter to challenge India.

• India Women: 85% Probability
• Bangladesh Women: 15% Probability

Prediction: India Women are expected to win this match comfortably, likely by a margin of 50+ runs if they bat first, or by 6-8 wickets if chasing a modest target. The victory would almost certainly secure their place in the semi-finals.

Stay tuned for live updates, toss results, and match commentary on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.