South Africa have pushed India down to the wire in the 2026 T20 World Cup race for the semi-finals by beating Bangladesh by four wickets in their last group stage game on Sunday (June 28).
The win took the Proteas to eight points in the group stage, two ahead of India, with the Women in Blue set to meet Australia in the final match before the semi-final. This match has now become a must-win game, where a defeat or a wash-out will eliminate India, and only a win would take them through to the semis.
The India-Australia match will begin at 7:00 pm IST at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Here’s how the group-stage table looked ahead of the India-Australia match:
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia Women | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | +4.724 |
| 2 | South Africa Women | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 8 | +0.633 |
| 3 | India Women | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | +2.268 |
| 4 | Bangladesh Women (E) | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | -0.710 |
| 5 | Pakistan Women (E) | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | -1.872 |
| 6 | Netherlands Women (E) | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | -3.276 |
As you can see, the difference between India and South Africa’s net run-rate is so huge that it just won’t matter. The equation is simple for India: win by any margin, even
by one-run or on the last ball, or go back home.
How South Africa stayed alive by beating Bangladesh
After opting to bat, Bangladesh struggled for momentum and finished with a modest 117/5 in 20 overs. Sobhana Mostary top-scored with a patient 42 off 48 balls, while captain Nigar Sultana provided a late boost with an unbeaten 32 from just 20 deliveries. South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack kept the scoring in check throughout, with Marizanne Kapp conceding only nine runs in her four overs, while Nonkululeko Mlaba claimed 2/22.
South Africa’s chase began in the worst possible fashion as captain Laura Wolvaardt fell for a first-ball duck. However, Tazmin Brits (20) and Annerie Dercksen steadied the innings with a 52-run stand. Dercksen anchored the chase with a composed 45 off 45 balls before Bangladesh fought back through Nahida Akter, who picked up two wickets.
With 16 runs needed from the final three overs, Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk ensured there were no late hiccups. Tryon remained unbeaten on 8 as South Africa reached 118/6 in 19.2 overs, securing an important win despite Bangladesh’s spirited bowling effort.
