Clinical chase by Australia women knocks India out of the T20 World Cup

Harmanpreet Kaur helps India set a decent target

Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bat first in this critical encounter. The openers understood the assignment and provided a solid foundation as Smriti Mandhana (38 off 37) and Shafali Verma (34 off 26) added 66 runs together. Mandhana played the anchor’s role whereas Shafali provided the initial momentum. Sophie Molineux broke the partnership and dismissed Shafali Verma. Soon Mandhana followed after an unfortunate communications breakdown that resulted in her run out.

Following their dismissals, Jemimah Rodrigues stepped up with a breezy 34 off 28 deliveries to keep the momentum ticking. However, it was captain Kaur who stole the show eventually. She led from the front with a sensational 56 off 27 balls at a staggering strike rate of 207.41, studded with 6 boundaries and 3 maximums. Her tactical brilliance pushed the Australian bowling unit to their absolute limits. Kaur’s innings helped India women add 60 runs in the final five overs and put a competitive score of 170/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Sophie Molineux was the only successful bowler from Australia women with 2-46.

Meanwhile, India decided to retire out Jemimah Rodrigues just before the final over. They brought in Richa Ghosh to add a few extra runs in the final over who faced only one delivery eventually. The tactical move made Rodrigues only the second Indian cricketer in women’s T20I history to be strategically “retired out”—following Yastika Bhatia, who was retired out against England just a month prior.

Calculated chase by Australia women

Chasing 171 was not going to be cakewalk especially after losing a quick wicket in Georgia Voll (4) in the first over. However, the depth in Australia’s batting lineup proved to be clinical. After Voll’s dismissal, Beth Mooney (22*) followed by the experienced duo of Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner took complete control of the chase.

Perry anchored the chase with a sublime, calculated 56 off 38 deliveries including 8 boundaries. At the other end, Ashleigh Gardner provided the explosive spark. Her destructive unbeaten 53 off just 29 balls, including 3 towering sixes shifted the match situation in Australia’s favour. Phoebe Litchfield contributed with a supportive 24.

A commendable effort from India’s breakthrough spinner Shree Charani (2/32) went in vain. Australia’s relentless aggressive intent prevailed as they comfortably reached the target 172/4 in the 19th over and won the match by 6 wickets.

With this triumph, Australia women cement their seat in the semifinals with roaring confidence. India women are eliminated of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, having also suffered a group stage loss to South Africa women earlier.

Brief scores: India 170/4 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 56, Smriti Mandhana 38; Sophie Molineux 2-46) lost to Australia 172/4 in 19 overs (Ellyse Perry 56, Ash Gardner 53*; Shree Charani 2-32) by 6 wickets

Player of the Match: Ellyse Perry

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