Australia have stormed into the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a dominant six-wicket victory over India at Lord’s, completing the highest successful chase in women’s World Cup history. The win eliminated India from the tournament and set up a semi-final clash against West Indies at the Oval.
Record chase powered by Perry and Gardner
Chasing 171 for victory, Australia reached 172-4 with an over to spare, thanks to a brilliant 100-run partnership off just 59 balls between Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner. Perry scored 56 off 38 balls, hitting eight boundaries, while Gardner remained unbeaten on 53 off 32 balls, striking three sixes and three fours. Georgia Wareham hit the winning boundary to seal the victory.
India had earlier posted a formidable 170-4, largely driven by captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s explosive 56 off 27 balls, which included three consecutive sixes off Australia captain Sophie Molineux in the penultimate over. However, Perry took a crucial catch to dismiss Harmanpreet, shifting the momentum.
Group stage implications
India needed to win the match to secure a semi-final spot after South Africa had earlier beaten Bangladesh by four wickets. With Australia’s victory, South Africa finished second in Group 1 and will face unbeaten England in the other semi-final at the Oval on Thursday. Australia, who have won the T20 World Cup six times, remain unbeaten in the tournament.
“I never thought I’d be supporting the Aussies – but go Aussies!” said South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt with a smile after her team’s win over Bangladesh, acknowledging Australia’s role in their qualification.
