India vs Australia Live, Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Harmanpreet’s Fifty Not Enough as India Loses by Nine Runs

India vs Australia : India’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes are uncertain after a nine-run loss to Australia. Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten half-century was in vain as India fell short in a crucial group-stage match.

India’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 took a major blow after a nine-run defeat against Australia in their final group-stage match. Despite a valiant half-century from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India fell short while chasing a target of 152 in Sharjah, ending their Group A campaign on a disappointing note.

India vs Australia: Harmanpreet’s Half-Century in Vain

Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front, scoring an unbeaten 54 off 47 balls, but her efforts were not enough to guide India to victory. Chasing 152, India finished at 142/9 after a challenging innings. The loss leaves India in second place in the group standings, but their qualification for the semi-finals is uncertain as New Zealand could potentially overtake them with a win against Pakistan.

Harmanpreet’s knock, which included some impressive stroke play, kept India’s hopes alive throughout the chase. However, the lack of support from the other end hurt India’s chances. Shafali Verma chipped in with 20 runs, and Deepti Sharma added 29, but key batters like Smriti Mandhana (6) failed to make an impact in the crucial match.

India vs Australia: Australia’s Bowling Stifles India

Australia’s disciplined bowling attack kept India under pressure right from the start. Stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath’s decision to bat first after winning the toss paid off as her team posted a challenging total of 151/8. The Australian bowlers, led by Megan Schutt and Ashleigh Gardner, tightened their grip during the middle overs, never allowing the Indian batters to build a solid partnership.

Despite losing Alyssa Healy to injury, Australia’s bowling attack executed their plans effectively, especially in the powerplay, where they dismissed Shafali and Mandhana early. Harmanpreet tried to anchor the innings, but wickets fell at regular intervals, making the chase difficult.

India vs Australia: Renuka and Deepti Shine with the Ball

Earlier in the match, India’s bowlers had given their side hope by restricting Australia to 151/8. Renuka Singh Thakur was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2/24, including back-to-back wickets that pegged Australia back in the powerplay. Deepti Sharma also played a key role with the ball, taking 2/28, including the crucial wickets of Grace Harris (40) and Ellyse Perry (32). Their performances kept Australia in check, but a 62-run partnership between Harris and McGrath helped Australia post a competitive total.

India vs Australia: Impact on Group A Standings

With this loss, India’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals now depend on the outcome of New Zealand’s final group-stage match against Pakistan. India ended their Group A campaign with four points from two wins and two losses. However, if New Zealand wins and overtakes India’s Net Run Rate, India could be eliminated from the tournament.

Australia, on the other hand, remains unbeaten in the group stages and has already secured a spot in the semi-finals with four wins from four matches. The defending champions once again proved their dominance in the tournament, despite injury setbacks to key players like Alyssa Healy and Tayla Vlaeminck.