After losing to Australia, India was on the verge of an embarrassing group-stage elimination at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. India has exited the competition for the earliest time in eight years, having experienced the same fate three times in a row in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
They had advanced to the semifinals in three of the previous editions, and one of those saw them reach the final.
To secure a spot in the semifinals, India had to defeat the current champions by a significant margin. India had the potential to top the table if they had defeated Australia’s net run rate.
Despite captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s undefeated half-century, Australia’s pursuit of 152 was not enough as they held India to 142 for nine in 20 overs.
India appeared to be well-positioned in the chase, and Harmanpreet had help from Deepti Sharma as they struck a string of boundaries to rekindle India’s hopes.
Harmanpreet was left despondent after Sophie Molineux dismissed the left-hander and Annabel Sutherland went through the rest of the line-up, taking three wickets in her final over.
How Pakistan could keep India from losing the Women’s T20 World Cup campaign
With the victory, Australia advanced to the semifinals for the ninth time in a row, having never failed to qualify for the Women’s T20 World Cup. Conversely, India finished their campaign with four points from four games and presently holds the second position in the Group A points standings. With one match remaining in Group A, they can still go to the semifinals.
India might go to the semifinals if their bitter rival Pakistan defeats New Zealand on Monday at the Dubai International Stadium, even if it is by a narrow margin. The White Ferns would finish the tournament with four points and a lower NRR than the Women in Blue.
In Group A, Pakistan will want to try their luck at pulling off a complete show-stopper. They may defeat India to join Australia in the semifinals if they win by a margin of 47 to 60 runs when they bat first against New Zealand or if they manage to reach the goal in fewer than 10 overs.
India would be formally eliminated from the Women’s T20 World Cup event if New Zealand wins, regardless of the margin, as the Sophie Devine-led team will have six points at the end of the competition.
For the latest news, visit www.24x7sportshub.com.
