In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Australia secured a nail-biting 9-run victory over India to become the first team to officially qualify for the semi-finals.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Australia posted a competitive total of 151 for the loss of 8 wickets. Despite losing Beth Mooney early and promoting Georgia Wareham to number 3, who lasted just one ball, Australia bounced back strongly. Grace Harris (40 off 41) and McGrath (32 off 26) put together a crucial 62-run partnership for the third wicket, regaining control of the innings after the shaky start. McGrath, looking particularly dangerous, was eventually dismissed by Radha Yadav.
Ellyse Perry, batting at no. 5, played a brisk knock of 32 off 23, using her feet to great effect, and was well-supported by late cameos from Phoebe Litchfield (15* off 9) and Annabel Sutherland (10 off 6). The Australian middle-order kept up the attacking momentum, finishing on a solid 151/8. For India, Deepti Sharma (2/28) and Renuka Singh (2/24) were the standout bowlers, keeping Australia from posting an even bigger total.
India’s chase began with Shafali Verma (20 off 13) providing a quickfire start. However, her opening partner Smriti Mandhana (6 off 12) struggled, and India lost both openers in quick succession. Jemimah Rodrigues (16 off 12) tried to keep the tempo alive, but it was the partnership between Deepti Sharma (29 off 25) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (54* off 47) that kept India in the hunt. The pair added 63 runs, but the turning point came when Sophie Molineux dismissed Sharma, forcing her to hit to the longest part of the boundary.
This over by Megan Schutt – Just 1 Run in 17th over 🥵
Nerves of steel 🫡 #CricketTwitter #INDvAUS #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/eF5z9XbHM5
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 13, 2024
Kaur, displaying remarkable grit, brought up her half-century in the penultimate over, but lacked support from the other end. Sutherland held her nerve in the final over, executing her deliveries to perfection with full and straight bowling, ensuring Australia clinched the game by 9 runs. Molineux (2/32) and Sutherland (2/22) were the pick of the bowlers, with Molineux taking key wickets, including that of Mandhana and Sharma.
Molineux was named Player of the Match for her match-winning performance, while social media was abuzz with praise for Australia’s gritty win and India’s valiant effort. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) applauded the high-octane clash, noting India’s fighting spirit despite falling short.
You have a fifty against your name and then at a critical juncture you take a single and expect the new batter to score 2 sixes off two balls, to win the game. Great game awareness by the Indian skipper 👏🏻 #INDvsAUS
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) October 13, 2024
Koi tareef nahi karega Harman ki.
1 run ka over khela hai … Usmein 4 singles bhi le leti toh aaj kam target hota. Pathetic players. No game awareness.— Shubh (@Vickster469) October 13, 2024
Well Fought Champ 🫂❤️#HarmanpreetKaur pic.twitter.com/iKkC8AOil8
— Akshay (@Akshayk_2255) October 13, 2024
Harman is not the reason for loss but in the last over she should have backed herself instead of taking single on the first ball.
Nevertheless She is the only one who stands tall for India in the Big Games.#INDWvsAUSW #HarmanpreetKaur pic.twitter.com/AaMoiCf07V
— Dr.Manoj Pandey (@mpandey03) October 13, 2024
What a player Annabel Sutherland is turning out to be. Came with the intent with the bat and terrific spell with the ball man. Proper cricketer.
— Ram jayadev (@Jayadevram10) October 13, 2024
Excellent last over from Annabel Sutherland as well. I thought even Beth Mooney was superb behind the stumps. Unreal team, Australia. #T20WorldCup
— A (@Agd_1) October 13, 2024
Congratulations Australia 🇦🇺
I’m thrilled that they already qualified for the semis irrespective of today’s result.
Clinical performance today again.
14th consecutive win for them in the Women’s World Cup.
CAMPION MINDSET 👏👏👏#T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/rAKY6KaElC— DIVYA RAJU (@DivyaRajuK) October 13, 2024
Congratulations Australia 🇦🇺
I’m thrilled that they already qualified for the semis irrespective of today’s result.
Clinical performance today again.
14th consecutive win for them in the Women’s World Cup.
CAMPION MINDSET 👏👏👏#T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/rAKY6KaElC— DIVYA RAJU (@DivyaRajuK) October 13, 2024
Congratulations Australia 🇦🇺
I’m thrilled that they already qualified for the semis irrespective of today’s result.
Clinical performance today again.
14th consecutive win for them in the Women’s World Cup.
CAMPION MINDSET 👏👏👏#T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/rAKY6KaElC— DIVYA RAJU (@DivyaRajuK) October 13, 2024
Indian women’s team has more often than not pushed beyond their limit. Just because they didn’t win any trophy doesn’t mean they didn’t do well. We need more luck to go our way to win the trophy. Australia are just too good.
— . (@deadIine_dork) October 13, 2024
The Indian women’s team showed incredible teamwork and determination. While they couldn’t secure the win in this crucial match, their heart and dedication were truly inspiring for all the spectators.
— Mohammad Hasan Khan (@Bobi_1A) October 13, 2024
Hard luck but well played India 🇮🇳 , congratulations Australia
— Bade Hoke Cricketer Banunga 💭💭 (@FirstLovCricket) October 13, 2024
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