Women’s T20 World Cup, Group A, Sharjah
Australia 151-8 (20 overs): Harris 40 (41); Renuka 2-24
India 142-9 (20 overs): Harmanpreet 54* (47); Sutherland 2-22
Australia won by nine runs
Australia booked their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals with a narrow nine-run victory over India, leaving India’s qualification hopes in limbo.
The reigning champions ensured they would finish at the top of Group A after winning all four of their matches. India, currently second, must now hope for a New Zealand defeat against Pakistan on Monday and rely on a superior net run rate (NRR) to secure a spot in the final four.
Chasing 152 in front of a lively crowd in Sharjah, India showed intent and kept up with the required run rate. A spirited knock of 54* from captain Harmanpreet Kaur kept their hopes alive, with 14 runs needed off the last over.
However, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland bowled a tight final over, conceding only four runs and taking three wickets, sealing the win for her team.
Earlier, Australia, missing injured captain Alyssa Healy, recovered from a shaky start to post their tournament-high 151-8. Opener Grace Harris led the scoring with 40 off 41 balls, supported by 32 runs each from Ellyse Perry and stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath.
