Australia chase record target to knock India out at Lord's

By Shivam Kumar | Senior Sports Reporter

India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign ended with a defeat as Australia completed the highest successful run chase in the tournament's history, reaching 172 for 4 to beat India's 170 for 4 by six wickets at Lord's. Harmanpreet Kaur's attacking half-century had given India a competitive total, but Australia's experienced middle order responded when it mattered most.

The result confirmed Australia's progress to the semi-finals with a perfect group-stage record while eliminating India from Group 1. South Africa also advanced after India's defeat. Played before a record Women's T20 World Cup crowd of 27,163 at Lord's, the match carried knockout intensity despite being a league fixture. 

India made a positive start through Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma before Australia gradually slowed the scoring rate. Mandhana contributed 38, but it was captain Harmanpreet Kaur who transformed the innings.

Coming in during the middle overs, Harmanpreet accelerated sharply at the finish, striking 56 from just 27 deliveries to push India to 170 for 4. Australia shared the bowling responsibility, with Sophie Molineux claiming two wickets, but Harmanpreet's late assault ensured India had a total that appeared capable of testing the six-time champions.

Australia's reply was not entirely straightforward. India removed early wickets and briefly controlled the chase, creating pressure during the powerplay.

That changed when Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner combined for a match-winning partnership worth 100 runs. Perry anchored the chase with 56 from 38 balls, while Gardner produced the decisive acceleration, finishing with an unbeaten 53 from 29 deliveries. Their stand shifted momentum permanently, allowing Australia to reach the target with one over remaining despite India's attempts to break through.

Shree Charani finished with two wickets for India, while Deepti Sharma claimed one, but Australia's batting depth again proved decisive in a high-pressure chase.

Although Harmanpreet's innings kept India competitive, Ellyse Perry earned the Player of the Match award for guiding Australia's chase through its most important phase. Her calm approach allowed Gardner to attack freely once the required rate began to climb, underlining Australia's experience in major ICC tournaments. 

Australia completed the group stage with five victories from five matches and advanced to a semi-final against West Indies. India's defeat meant they finished outside the qualification places despite competing strongly for long periods against the defending cricket powerhouse. South Africa benefited from Australia's victory to secure the other semi-final place from Group 1.

The result also continued Australia's impressive record against India in ICC knockout-level contests and decisive tournament matches. While Harmanpreet's innings demonstrated India's ability to post a winning total, Australia's composed chase highlighted the difference in execution during the closing overs.

India captain Harmanpreet later acknowledged that her side had not performed well enough against the strongest teams in the competition, while calling for honest reflection after another global tournament exit.

Australia now move on to the semi-finals, where they will face West Indies, while India's attention turns to rebuilding ahead of future international assignments following another campaign that ended in the group stage.