As we head into the business end of the group stage in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Group A has turned into an absolute logjam. India currently sits in second place with 4 points and a strong Net Run Rate of +2.511 after three matches. Bangladesh is hot on their heels in fourth position, also tied on 4 points but trailing heavily on Net Run Rate at -0.641. With Australia comfortably leading the pack, this match is effectively a virtual quarter-final for both sides trying to keep their knockout dreams alive.
Squads:
India Women’s Cricket Team
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav
Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team
Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter (VC), Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Taj Nehar
Players to watch out:
Smriti Mandhana
India’s premier opener has put together a magnificent T20I career, amassing 4,492 runs across 169 matches at an average of 30.35 and a strike rate of 125.40, including 35 half-centuries and a century. She has carried this exceptional form right into the ongoing 2026 World Cup tournament. She has already stacked up 159 runs in just 3 innings at a stellar average of 53.00, striking at a blistering 154.36 with two half-centuries to her name.
N Shree Charani
Representing India, N Shree Charani has emerged as a major breakthrough bowler in the ongoing 2026 World Cup tournament. She sits right at the top of the bowling charts, having picked up an impressive 10 wickets in just 3 matches. She has delivered 12 overs with a highly effective economy rate of 5.33 and an incredible strike rate of 7.20, which includes a phenomenal, best bowling performance of 4/19.
Juairiya Ferdous
Juairiya Ferdous has been building her international profile for Bangladesh, featuring in 17 T20I matches in her career where she has scored 295 runs at an average of 17.35, with two half-centuries. In the 2026 World Cup tournament, she has been a key contributor to her team’s batting lineup. She has chipped in with 65 runs across 3 innings at an average of 21.66, featuring a top score of 50 and scoring at a healthy strike rate of 122.64.
Sanjida Akter Meghla
Sanjida Akter Meghla has provided highly impactful performances for Bangladesh with her spin bowling in the 2026 World Cup. She has claimed 4 wickets in her 2 appearances so far. She has bowled 8 overs with an economy rate of 6.25 and a sharp bowling average of 12.50, highlighted by a fine spell of 3/21 that proved crucial for her side.
Pitch:
Old Trafford has shifted in character over the last couple of seasons, moving away from its historical fiery pace and bounce to a much slower, flatter deck. Expect a balanced but slightly sluggish track where batters will need to work for their runs and tactile variations from change-of-pace bowlers will be highly rewarded.
Weather:
Expect a completely sunny day with a high temperature of 32°C and an easterly wind blowing at 11 mph. As night falls, the skies will turn clear with periodic clouds, dropping to a low of 21°C with a 10% chance of rain and a humidity level of 51%.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Nigar Sultana Joty, Nahida Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Juairiya Ferdous
Match Details:
Date – June 25, 2026
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
Broadcast – Star Sports & JioHotstar
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