Australia Advances to Women's T20 World Cup Semifinals

Posted : 14 October 2024

Holders Australia secured a hard-fought nine-run victory over India on Sunday, advancing to the semifinals of the Women's T20 World Cup despite the absence of their captain, Alyssa Healy. Healy was sidelined due to a foot injury sustained while batting in a match against Pakistan just days earlier.

In her absence, Tahila McGrath stepped up to lead the six-time champions in Sharjah, while Grace Harris, who replaced Healy, emerged as the top scorer with 40 runs, contributing significantly to Australia’s total of 151-8 after they chose to bat first.

In response, India struggled to reach the target, finishing at 142-9. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur led the fightback with an unbeaten 54 runs, sharing a crucial fourth-wicket partnership of 63 with Deepti Sharma, who scored 29 runs.

Their efforts brought the match down to the wire, with India needing 14 runs off the final six balls. However, Australian bowler Annabel Sutherland held her nerve, conceding just four runs while taking four wickets in the closing overs to seal the victory for her team.

The win marked Australia’s 15th consecutive victory in the tournament and solidified their place in the semifinals for the ninth straight time. The team's qualification was effectively secured when India found themselves at 74-3 in 10.4 overs during their chase, leaving them with a slim chance of advancing.

India now relies on their arch-rivals, Pakistan, to defeat New Zealand in their final group match. Should New Zealand win, they would secure second place in Group A and advance to the semifinals. Conversely, a Pakistan win would leave India, Pakistan, and New Zealand all tied on four points, with net run rate determining who progresses.

India's chances were put in jeopardy early in the innings when medium-pace bowler Renuka Singh claimed two wickets in successive deliveries, dismissing Beth Mooney for just two runs and Georgia Wareham without scoring.

Harris and McGrath steadied the Australian innings with a 62-run partnership, with McGrath contributing a brisk 32 runs off 26 balls. Ellyse Perry added 32 runs from 23 deliveries, helping to solidify Australia's position, while Phoebe Litchfield finished the innings with a six, remaining not out on 15.

Notably, Litchfield had a close call with an lbw appeal that was overturned after a review, allowing her to continue batting and contribute to Australia's total. In addition to Healy’s injury, fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck was ruled out of the tournament after dislocating her shoulder during the match against Pakistan.

Australia Advances to Women's T20 World Cup Semifinals

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