India’s hopes of advancing to the semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 took a massive hit after Harmanpreet Kaur’s women lost to Australia by nine runs on Sunday, October 13 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. With their 15-match winning streak in the tournament, the Aussies made their way through to the semis despite not having their skipper Alyssa Healy, who is recovering from a foot injury.

After opting to bat first, Australia put up a decent score of 151 for eight on the board. Grace Harris, who replaced Healy in the top order, top-scored for them with a knock of 40 off 41 balls. Tahlia McGrath and Ellyse Perry scored 32 runs apiece. Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma picked up two wickets each for India.

India could only manage to score 142 for nine in their run-chase. Harmanpreet Kaur stayed not out on 54 runs off 47 balls with the help of six fours, but her knock went in vain. With 14 runs needed in the last over, India failed to hold their nerves and lost four wickets.

India, however, are still in with a chance to make their way through to the next round. Their fate depends on the clash between New Zealand and Pakistan on Monday, October 14 at the Dubai International Stadium.

If Pakistan beat New Zealand

Pakistan beat New Zealand by no more than 53 runs (if they bat first)

Or

Chase down the target with not more than 9.1 overs to spare (if they bowl first)

If Pakistan win by more than 53 runs or chase down the target with more than 9.1 overs remaining, they will qualify, knocking India and New Zealand out.

If New Zealand beat Pakistan

New Zealand will join Australia as the other team to qualify for the semis. India and Pakistan will be knocked out.

Source: India Today