Women’s T20 World Cup: IND vs AUS Review – Australia book semi-final spot, leaving India’s chances uncertain
In a closely contested match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Australia edged past India by nine runs, securing their semi-final spot. Despite missing key players like Alyssa Healy, Australia managed to post a competitive 151/8, thanks to valuable contributions from Grace Harris (40 off 41) and Ellyse Perry (32 off 23). India’s Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma picked up crucial wickets to keep the Aussies in check.
India’s chase started to a rocky start, with early dismissals of key batters like Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur tried to stabilize the innings, but the Australian bowlers kept the pressure on. Megan Schutt and Sophie Molineux took critical wickets, preventing India from gaining significant momentum. Harmanpreet fought valiantly, scoring 54 off 47 balls, but the team struggled with the mounting run rate.
The match reached a tense climax in the final overs, with India needing 14 runs from the last over. Despite Harmanpreet’s best efforts, Australia held their nerve as Annabel Sutherland bowled the decisive over, dismissing key batters and effecting two run-outs. India’s chase fell short at 142/9, leaving them reliant on other results to progress further in the tournament.
Top Performers of the match
Grace Harris was instrumental for Australia, stepping up in the absence of Alyssa Healy. Her knock of 40 off 41 balls provided stability after early wickets fell, forging a crucial 62-run partnership with Tahlia McGrath. Harris’s ability to keep the scoreboard ticking despite losing partners laid the foundation for Australia to post a competitive total.
Harmanpreet Kaur fought hard for India, scoring 54 off 47 balls in a valiant attempt to chase down Australia’s total. Despite wickets falling around her, she held the innings together, keeping India in the game until the final over. Harmanpreet’s composed knock was the highlight of India’s innings but wasn’t enough to secure victory.
Annabel Sutherland proved to be Australia’s match-winner with her last-over heroics. Defending 15 runs, she dismissed Pooja Vastrakar and Radha Yadav, while also effecting two run-outs, ensuring that India’s chase faltered at the final hurdle
