Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Video Highlights: India fall short against Australia by 9 runs
Women's T20 World Cup 2024, India vs Australia: India Women’s hard-fought battle against Australia Women in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 ends in a 9-run defeat. Harmanpreet Kaur's valiant half-century falls just short. Check out the match highlights here!
Published Oct 14, 2024, 8:38 am IST
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India Women put up a brave fight but came up short by just 9 runs against Australia Women in a crucial Group A match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Sharjah. Australia’s win secured their place in the semifinals, leaving India’s qualification hopes hanging on the outcome of the Pakistan Women vs New Zealand Women match. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten fifty went in vain as India Women couldn’t chase down Australia’s total of 151/8.
Strong start by Renuka Singh in the powerplay
After Australia Women chose to bat first, Indian fast bowler Renuka Singh provided a dream start, dismissing opener Beth Mooney (2) and Georgia Wareham (0) on consecutive deliveries. This early breakthrough left Australia at 9/2 inside the first three overs. Despite the shaky start, Grace Harris and stand-in captain Tahila McGrath anchored the innings with a crucial 62-run partnership, steadying the innings for the Aussies.
Grace Harris and Tahila McGrath anchor Australia's innings
Grace Harris played a composed knock, scoring 40 off 41 balls, while McGrath contributed a quickfire 32 off 26 balls. Australia reached 37/2 by the end of the powerplay, but India continued to apply pressure. The partnership between Harris and McGrath gave Australia some breathing room before McGrath was caught out by Deepti Sharma in the 11th over.
Harris followed suit shortly after, leaving the Australian innings in a bit of trouble. However, stand-in vice-captain Ellyse Perry stabilized things further with her 32 off 23 balls, helping Australia post a competitive total of 151/8 in 20 overs.
Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma were the pick of the Indian bowlers, both claiming two wickets each and keeping the Australian run rate in check. Renuka finished with impressive figures of 2/24, while Deepti grabbed 2/28.
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Shafali Verma provides a quick start in India's chase
In response, India Women needed a strong start to chase down 152. Opener Shafali Verma didn’t disappoint, smashing 20 runs off just 13 balls, which included two boundaries and a towering six. However, her aggressive start was cut short when she was dismissed by Ashleigh Gardner in the fourth over.
The fall of wickets continued, as Smriti Mandhana (6) was sent back to the pavilion in the very next over by Sophie Molineux. India found themselves at 41/2 at the end of the powerplay, struggling to keep pace with the required run rate.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma build a crucial partnership
With India Women at 47/3 after the loss of Jemimah Rodrigues for 16, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma took charge. The duo added 63 runs for the fourth wicket, bringing India back into the game. Kaur batted brilliantly under pressure, showing why she is one of the best in the world. Deepti Sharma also provided valuable support, scoring 29 off 25 balls, including three boundaries.
Despite the strong partnership, the required run rate kept climbing, and Deepti’s dismissal in the 16th over by Molineux left India Women in a tight spot. Harmanpreet Kaur continued to fight valiantly, scoring back-to-back half-centuries, and remained unbeaten on 54 off 42 balls, hitting six boundaries in her knock.
India’s collapse in the final over
India Women needed 14 runs in the final over with Kaur still at the crease. However, a dramatic collapse saw them lose four wickets in that final over, including two crucial run-outs. Annabel Sutherland bowled the final over and picked up 2/22 in her four overs, ensuring Australia Women’s victory by just 9 runs. India managed only four runs in the final over, finishing on 142/9 in 20 overs.
With this victory, Australia Women cemented their position at the top of Group A, having won all four of their matches. They comfortably qualified for the semifinals. For India Women, this loss was a huge blow to their semi-final hopes. Their qualification now depends entirely on New Zealand Women’s match against Pakistan Women. If Pakistan Women manage to defeat New Zealand, India will secure their spot in the semifinals. However, a win for New Zealand will eliminate India from the tournament.
Tags:
India WomenAustralia-WWomen's T20 World Cup 2024IND vs AUS
