Desk Correspondent : Shafali Verma's blistering half-century helped India register a comfortable five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Women's T20 World Cup at Old Trafford on Thursday. However, India's sloppy fielding once again raised concerns as they dropped four catches and conceded 10 extras while chasing a modest target of 137.

Asked to bat first, Bangladesh posted 136/8 after benefiting from a series of Indian fielding lapses. Opener Juairiya Ferdous was dropped three times inside the powerplay and went on to score 33 off 31 balls. Captain Nigar Sultana contributed 32 off 27 deliveries, while Sobhana Mostary added 22. India's bowlers managed to pull things back despite the missed opportunities. Renuka Thakur struck in her first over of the tournament, dismissing Dilara Akter, while Radha Yadav returned figures of 3/28.

In reply, India lost Smriti Mandhana early, but Shafali took charge with an explosive 53 off 34 balls. The opener dominated both pace and spin, bringing up her second Women's T20 World Cup fifty in just 29 deliveries. Shafali's innings ended in unusual fashion when she was stumped after attempting a non-existent single. A brief slowdown in the middle overs was overcome by Jemimah Rodrigues, whose quickfire 26 off 15 balls guided India to victory with 19 balls to spare.

The win keeps India's semifinal hopes alive after their defeat to South Africa. However, concerns over their fielding and overall consistency remain ahead of a crucial clash against Australia on June 28, a match they are likely to win to stay in contention for the knockout stage.