LONDON: India were knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2026 after Australia thumped them by six wickets in the final group-stage fixture at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Australia chased down a stiff 173-run target in 19 overs, largely due to a century stand between Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner.
The duo came in when Australia were in trouble against India at 68-3 in 9.1 overs. Both batters not only took their side out of trouble but also took Australia to the cusp of victory.
Perry made 56 off 38, including eight fours, while Ashleigh Gardner struck three sixes and three fours in her unbeaten 53 off 29.
For India, Shree Charani picked up two wickets.
After opting to bat first, India racked up 172-4 in 20 overs, courtesy of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s 56 from just 27 balls. She hit three sixes and six fours in her gutsy knock.
Sophie Molineux bagged two wickets for Australia.
With this, the final-four line-ups of the Women’s T20 World Cup have been confirmed. Australia will face West Indies on 30 June at the Oval, whereas South Africa will play England on 2 July at the same venue.
Earlier, South Africa beat Bangladesh in a nervy win to keep themselves alive in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final race.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
The Proteas just about retained their composure in pursuit of a lowly target of 118.
But this batting performance raised questions about South Africa’s ability under pressure following a win over India and their total of 208-1 against the Netherlands in their previous two games.
Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt fell to the first ball of the chase, bowled by a Marufa Aktar inswinger and when Dane van Niekerk was lbw for three, South Africa were 59-3 at the halfway stage.
Annerie Dercksen threatened to win the game for South Africa until she edged behind for 45 in the 15th over.
The runs then started to dry up.
Marizanne Kapp was run out for 16, and Nadine de Klerk was caught at deep mid-wicket with five runs still needed before Chloe Tryon edged a four and cleared the off-side to seal victory with four balls to spare.
But there was no denying South Africa’s quality in the field, with Kapp bowling Juairiya Ferdous with the first ball of the match.
Sobhana Mostary’s 42 kept the Proteas at bay, with Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana making 32 not out but the Tigers were still held to just 117-5 in 20 overs.
