Women’s T20 World Cup Shock: ODI Champs India Eliminated Before Semifinals

ODI Champs India’s T20 World Cup Dream Ends as Australia Knock Them Out Before Semis

India’s quest for a maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title came to another heartbreaking end on Sunday as Australia registered a six-wicket win in a virtual knockout clash at Lord’s, ending Harmanpreet Kaur’s side’s campaign before the semifinals.

Despite entering the tournament as the reigning Women’s ODI World Cup champions, India failed to replicate their 50-over success in the shortest format. A competitive total of 170/6 wasn’t enough as Australia produced a clinical chase to seal a semifinal berth with five wins in five group-stage matches. The result also sent South Africa through to the last four.

The defeat marked yet another painful exit against Australia, who had also knocked India out of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. This time, the defending champions avenged their semifinal loss to India in last year’s ODI World Cup by ending the hosts’ T20 title hopes.

Mandhana, Shafali Lay the Foundation

India enjoyed a near-perfect start after being put into bat. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma stitched together a fluent 66-run partnership, combining elegance with aggression.

Mandhana struck six boundaries during her 38 off 37 balls, while Shafali attacked Australia’s spinners with 34 off 26 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes, as India reached 43 without loss at the end of the Powerplay.

Australia Hit Back in Middle Overs

Australia turned the game around in quick time after Sophie Molineux dismissed Shafali, who lost her balance while attempting an ambitious drive. Just a couple of overs later, a mix-up between Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues resulted in the former’s run-out, leaving India suddenly under pressure after a dominant start.

Harmanpreet’s Fireworks Rescue India

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur once again led from the front with a sensational counterattack.

After rebuilding alongside Jemimah Rodrigues (34 off 28), the India skipper unleashed a stunning assault in the final over, smashing Sophie Molineux for three consecutive sixes to bring up the fastest fifty by an Indian in Women’s T20 World Cup history—off just 25 balls.

Harmanpreet eventually departed for a blistering 56 from 27 deliveries, helping India post a challenging 170/6.

India Start Well With the Ball

The bowlers backed up the batting effort brilliantly in the first half of Australia’s chase.

Renuka Singh removed Georgia Voll early before Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma dismissed Phoebe Litchfield and Beth Mooney respectively, reducing Australia to 72/3 after 10 overs with the required rate climbing close to 10 an over.

The wicket of Mooney also saw Deepti become India’s highest wicket-taker in international cricket across all formats, surpassing the legendary Jhulan Goswami.

Perry, Gardner Crush India’s Hopes

Just when India appeared to have one foot in the semifinals, Australia’s experienced campaigners turned the contest on its head. Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner combined for a game-changing 101-run partnership for the fourth wicket, expertly absorbing the pressure before accelerating in the final overs.

India’s hopes faded amid costly mistakes, including no-balls, misfields and missed opportunities, allowing Australia to seize complete control.

Gardner hammered 52 off just 28 balls, while Perry remained unbeaten on 56 from 38 deliveries as Australia chased down 171 with five balls to spare, sealing a place in the semifinals and extending India’s wait for a first Women’s T20 World Cup title.