Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: India fall short of semi-finals berth
The Indian women’s cricket team finished third in Group A after two wins and two defeats in four matches. It was India’s fourth group stage exit in nine editions.
Cricket
India failed to advance to the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 following New Zealand’s 54-run victory over Pakistan in the Group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
After a 58-run defeat against New Zealand in their campaign opener, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s cricket team beat Pakistan by six wickets and Sri Lanka by 82 runs to get their challenge back on track.
However, India’s chances of making the last four took a hit after a nine-run defeat against six-time champions Australia in Sharjah on Sunday as they remained on four points from four matches.
Grace Harris (40 off 41), Tahlia McGrath (32 off 26) and Ellyse Perry (32 off 23) ensured Australia scored 151/8 in 20 overs. Despite wickets falling consistently in the run chase, skipper Harmanpreet kept India’s chances alive with a 47-ball 54. However, Australia held their nerve in the last over, restricting India to 142/9.
Alyssa Healy and Co. confirmed their semi-final spot by securing the top spot in Group A of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 points table with eight points. The result meant that only a New Zealand defeat against Pakistan on Monday would secure India’s safe passage into the semi-finals via Net Run Rate as both teams would remain tied at four points.
Batting first, the White Ferns scored 110/6 in 20 overs, courtesy of Suzie Bates’ 29-ball 28. Pakistan never threatened the New Zealand total in the run chase and were bowled out for 56.
New Zealand, as a result, pipped India to finish second in the group with six points to make the semi-finals. Pakistan and Sri Lanka also ended their Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.
India have made the final once, advanced to the semi-finals on four occasions and suffered four group stage exits after nine editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
India’s best finish in the tournament came in the 2020 edition. They entered the final after four wins on the bounce in the group stage, including a victory against hosts Australia.
A washed-off semi-final against England meant that India had made the final as group winners. However, the Australian women’s cricket team got the better of India in the final by 82 runs.