Leeds, Jun 17 (PTI): India continued their winning run in the Women’s T20 World Cup, crushing the Netherlands by 95 runs after posting a formidable 209 for five and then bowling out the opposition for 114 in 17.3 overs.
Young left-arm spinner Shree Charani led the charge with impressive figures of 4/19, while seamer Nandini Sharma, drafted in place of Arundhati Reddy, made an immediate impact with 2/22.
Part-time spinner Shafali Verma wrapped up the tail taking two in three balls to return with 3/20 in 3.2 overs.
Earlier, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali stitched together a 115-run opening stand as India posted 209/5 after the Netherlands elected to field.
Brief Scores:
India: 209/5 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 74, Shafali Verma 55; Caroline de Lange 2/32) beat The Netherlands 114; 17.3 overs (Babette de Leede 28; Shree Charani 4/19, Shafali Verma 3/20, Nandani Sharma 2/22) by 95 runs.
Australia spin attack downs Bangladesh
Australia began their three-match T20 series against Bangladesh with a four-wicket win in Chattogram. Spinners Adam Zampa and debutant Joel Davies claimed three wickets each, while Nikhil Chaudhary, the first India-born male cricketer to represent Australia in 60 years, also struck. Bangladesh, led by Tawhid Hridoy in Litton Das’s absence, collapsed from 39-1 to 131 all out in 19 overs. In reply, Cooper Connolly anchored the chase with 47 runs, supported by Tim David (20). Despite losing early wickets, Australia reached 133-6 in 18.2 overs. Debutant pacer Abdul Gaffar impressed with 2-32. The second T20 is scheduled for Friday.
England edge Ireland
Hosts England Women secured their second successive win in Group 2 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, defeating Ireland by four wickets in Southampton. Ireland, restricted to 118/9, struggled against England’s disciplined attack led by Sophie Ecclestone’s three-wicket haul. England’s chase was far from smooth, as Ireland struck early and kept pressure with regular breakthroughs.
However, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt steadied the innings with a crucial 48, guiding her side to 119/6 in 17.3 overs. The result keeps England unbeaten and strengthens their group position, while Ireland earned plaudits for a competitive display despite defeat.
