AUSTRALIA DEFEATS INDIA, ADVANCES TO T20 WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS
Posted on October 14, 2024 by News Desk

Australia secured a spot in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals with a thrilling nine-run victory over India, despite the absence of their captain, Alyssa Healy, who is out with a foot injury. Stepping up to lead, Tahila McGrath, along with top-scorer Grace Harris, helped set a target of 151-8, capitalizing on Harris’s 40 and McGrath’s solid 32.
India fought hard in response, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 54 and Deepti Sharma’s 29 bringing them close. But Annabel Sutherland’s disciplined final over, taking four key wickets, sealed Australia’s ninth consecutive semi-final appearance. India’s hopes now hinge on the Pakistan-New Zealand match outcome. A New Zealand win will eliminate India, while a Pakistan win will force a net run-rate tiebreaker to decide the advancing team.
Australia’s start was rocky with early wickets from India’s Renuka Singh, but contributions from Ellyse Perry and Phoebe Litchfield stabilized the innings. In another setback, Australia’s Tayla Vlaeminck was ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. With this victory, Australia remains a strong contender for the championship title.