London, June 27 (IANS) South Africa will face Bangladesh in match 29 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday. With a place in the semifinals still up for grabs, this promises to be one of the most important games of the tournament.

The qualification race in Group 1 remains wide open. South Africa and India are both tied on six points, but only one of them is likely to progress alongside Australia. For South Africa, the first task is very clear. The Proteas women need to defeat Bangladesh. However, that alone may not be enough. They will also be hoping Australia gets the better of India later in the day, while aiming for the biggest possible victory to strengthen their net run rate.

India, meanwhile, have their fate in their own hands. A win over Australia would give them a chance at a semifinal berth. That means South Africa will not only be keeping an eye on their own performance at Lord’s but will also be closely following the outcome of India’s clash.

Bangladesh are still in the hunt, although their chances are slim. They must produce a convincing win over South Africa and then hope Australia defeats India. Even then, Bangladesh would need results and net run rate to swing heavily in their favour to pull off a dramatic qualification.

When: Sunday, June 28, 3:00 PM IST

Where: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London

Where to watch: The match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game on their app and website.

Squads:

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, and Dane van Niekerk

Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Nahida Akter (vc), Dilara Akter (wk), Juairiya Firdous (wk), Sobhana Mostary, Tej Nehar, Sharmin Akhter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Trisna, Marufa Akter, Sanjida Akter Meghla, and Sultana Khatun.

–IANS

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