In a nail-biting finish, Australia (151/8) edged out India (142/9) by nine runs in a high-stakes group-stage match of the Women’s T20 World Cup. This loss puts India’s semi-final hopes on hold, as they await the outcome of the New Zealand vs Pakistan match. A New Zealand win would eliminate India, while a Pakistan victory would leave the final qualification to net run rate calculations.
High-Voltage Showdown at Sharjah
The match, played in front of an electrifying crowd of 14,946 in Sharjah, delivered the thriller the tournament had been waiting for. Both teams faced critical injuries: Australia’s captain and wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy was sidelined with a foot injury, and Tayla Vlaeminck was ruled out of the tournament. India, too, had a setback with Asha Sobhana suffering a knee injury just before the match.
Australia's innings were anchored by Grace Harris, who top-scored with a gritty 40 off 41 balls. Tahlia McGrath (32) and Ellyse Perry (32) provided crucial support to help Australia post a competitive total of 151. India's bowlers, Renuka Singh (2-24) and Deepti Sharma (2-28), were effective, but the Australian middle-order held firm.
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India's Spirited Chase Falls Short
India's chase began promisingly but stumbled at key moments. Harmanpreet Kaur played a captain's knock, remaining unbeaten on 54, while Deepti Sharma chipped in with 29.
However, the Indian innings collapsed under pressure, losing 6 wickets for just 31 runs in the middle overs.
Harmanpreet fought valiantly but couldn't steer India to victory, as Australia’s bowlers, led by Annabel Sutherland (2-22) and Sophie Molineux (2-32), tightened their grip.
Key Moments in the Match
Australia’s top-order faced early setbacks but recovered through a 62-run stand between Harris and McGrath. The duo launched an aggressive attack after the powerplay, putting India on the backfoot. Despite a few fielding lapses, India managed to break the partnership, but Ellyse Perry’s late flourish ensured Australia crossed the 150-mark.
In India’s innings, Shafali Verma gave a blazing start, hitting 20 off just 12 balls, but Australia capitalized on her dismissal, sending India’s top-order packing.
Harmanpreet Kaur tried to salvage the innings with some fine boundaries, but a lack of support from the other end proved costly.
Australia vs India Women's T20 World Cup Highlights
- Australia: 151/8 (Harris 40, McGrath 32, Perry 32; Renuka 2-24, Deepti 2-28)
- India: 142/9 (Harmanpreet 54*, Deepti 29; Sutherland 2-22, Molineux 2-32)
- Result: Australia won by 9 runs
This thrilling encounter between INDW vs AUSW kept fans on the edge of their seats till the last over, with Australia ultimately securing a well-fought victory. India’s hopes now rest on the New Zealand vs Pakistan result to see if they can still advance to the semi-finals.
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