In a thrilling Women's T20 World Cup Group A clash in Sharjah, Australia edged past India by nine runs to guarantee their place in the semi-finals. India, on the other hand, now faces an anxious wait to see if they can join the reigning champions in the last four.
With this victory, Australia has dominated Group A, winning all four of their matches. For India, currently second in the group, their fate hinges on New Zealand's result against Pakistan. If New Zealand loses, India's net run-rate advantage will allow them to advance.
Chasing a target of 152, India put up a brave fight, backed by a passionate crowd. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with an unbeaten 54 off 47 deliveries, keeping India's hopes alive until the final over, where they required 14 runs to win.
However, Australia's pace bowler Annabel Sutherland held her ground, conceding just four runs in the last over while taking three crucial wickets, sealing the win for her side.
Australia, playing without their injured captain Alyssa Healy, had earlier recovered from a shaky start to post a total of 151-8. Opener Grace Harris was the standout performer with 40 from 41 balls, while Ellyse Perry and acting captain Tahlia McGrath contributed 32 runs each. Despite the absence of both Healy, who is managing a foot injury, and fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, who is out of the tournament with a dislocated shoulder, Australia continued their dominant march toward a potential seventh T20 World Cup title.
Renuka Singh Thakur was the pick of the bowlers for India, taking 2-24 and removing both Beth Mooney and Georgia Wareham in consecutive deliveries. A steady partnership between Harris and McGrath added 62 for the third wicket, though Australia lost momentum when they slipped from 79-2 to 101-5. Late contributions from Perry and Phoebe Litchfield, including a massive six by Litchfield, helped Australia finish strongly.
India’s response started well, reaching 41-2 at the end of the powerplay, ahead of Australia’s pace at the same stage. However, Australia’s spinners applied pressure in the middle overs. A 63-run fourth-wicket stand between Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma (29 from 25 balls) revived India’s hopes, but they ultimately fell short.
While India may still progress, this close loss will serve as a reminder that it was their earlier performances in the tournament that have put them in this precarious position.