IND W vs SA W Live Score, Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: South Africa beat India by 6 wickets to stay alive in the tournament

On paper, the meeting between the Women’s ODI World Cup finalists earlier this year promised to be one of the standout contests of the group stage. However, neither side has been able to produce their best cricket so far.

India secured two big wins, but questions remain over the middle order, with Richa Ghosh emerging as the only consistent performer. Another worry for Harmanpreet Kaur’s team is the absence of injured spinner Shreyanka Patil, one of the team’s key bowlers at the death. His replacement, uncapped Prema Rawat, has impressed in training and is competing with Radha Yadav for a place in the side.

India bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi backed Radha to make an impact if given an opportunity, saying, “We all know the kind of quality Radha brings to the bowling unit.

South Africa has its own problems. The Proteas suffered a defeat in Australia and suffered a nervy win over Pakistan, exposing concerns about batting partnerships and strike rotation. While the return of experienced pacer Shabnim Ismail has added firepower to the bowling attack, stronger performances from the batsmen will be crucial.

“We can’t really focus on what happened elsewhere. They probably didn’t play our best cricket. Still over the line against Pakistan, but also a bit nervous,” South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon said.

The competition also carries significant individual milestones. Harmanpreet Kaur is set to become the first cricketer, male or female, to play 200 T20 internationals, while Deepti Sharma needs one wicket to become the leading wicket-taker in women’s international cricket.

With both teams still in search of their best form, the Manchester clash could be decisive in the semi-final build-up.