India Women’s T20 World Cup journey came to a disappointing end after a six-wicket defeat to Australia at Lord’s on Sunday. Despite a sensational captain’s knock from Harmanpreet Kaur, Australia chased down the target comfortably to secure a place in the semi-finals, while India crashed out of the tournament.
Leading from the front, Harmanpreet produced a blistering 56 off just 27 deliveries, smashing six fours and three sixes. Her late assault powered India to 170/4, with the team collecting 34 runs in the final two overs, including a 23-run final over. Australia’s fielding also helped India’s cause, as the defending champions dropped three catches during the innings.
India’s bowlers made an encouraging start to the defence of the total, reducing Australia to 68/3 inside the first 10 overs. With the required run rate climbing above 10 an over, the pressure appeared to be shifting towards the Australians.
However, experienced campaigners Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner once again showcased Australia’s championship pedigree. The pair steadied the innings before launching a calculated counterattack, rotating the strike efficiently while punishing loose deliveries. Their match-winning 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket dismantled India’s bowling attack and took Australia to victory with an over to spare.
India’s spin duo of Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma, who had impressed throughout the tournament, struggled to contain the experienced Australian batters once they settled in.
Following the defeat, Harmanpreet admitted that India must improve against top-quality opposition if they are to challenge consistently on the biggest stage.
Australia will now face the West Indies in the first semi-final, while South Africa, who benefited from India’s defeat, will take on England in the second semi-final.
Brief Scores: India Women 170/4 (Harmanpreet Kaur 56; Sophie Molineux 2/46). Australia Women 172/4 in 19 overs (Ellyse Perry 56, Ashleigh Gardner 53*; Shree Charani 2/32). Australia won by six wickets.
