India’s Women’s T20 World Cup hopes now rest on Pakistan’s ability to defeat New Zealand on Monday after a heartbreaking nine-run loss to defending champions Australia on Sunday.
Australia secured their semi-final berth by topping Group A with an unblemished record of four wins. India, with four points from two wins and two losses, must rely on Pakistan’s victory to keep their semi-final chances alive. A New Zealand win, however, would eliminate India.
“It’s something which is not in our control,” admitted India captain Harmanpreet Kaur. “If we get the opportunity to play another game, that will be great. But otherwise, whoever deserves to be there, that team will be there.”
Australia, despite missing skipper Alyssa Healy due to a foot injury, became the first team to guarantee a semi-final spot. Tahlia McGrath led the team in Healy’s absence, while Grace Harris top-scored with 40 and McGrath contributed 32. Australia posted 151-8 after electing to bat first.
India’s response was valiant, with Kaur hitting an unbeaten 54 and Deepti Sharma contributing 29. However, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland restricted India to just four runs in the final over, sealing the victory.
Meanwhile, Pakistan stand-in captain Muneeba Ali expressed optimism about her team’s chances of reaching the semi-finals. “We know that the pool is still open. We have a chance to win tomorrow’s match and if we win by a good margin, we have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals,” said Muneeba.
In Group B, England crushed Scotland by 10 wickets, with openers Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge putting on an unbeaten century partnership. England’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Sophie Ecclestone’s 2-13, restricted Scotland to 109-6.
England’s victory propelled them to the top of Group B, ahead of South Africa and the West Indies. England will face the West Indies on Tuesday, with the Caribbean side needing a win to stay in contention for the semi-finals.
“Just try and win, exactly the same way we have approached (the tournament so far),” said England captain Heather Knight. “You want to keep winning, keep that momentum and we want to go again, get some momentum and make it to the semis.”
