Women’s T20 World Cup: India Knocked Out After 5-Run Loss To Australia

Cape Town: Defending champions Australia held their nerves as they beat India by five runs in a thrilling Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final, here on Thursday.

Chasing a target of 173, India women needed just 31 off the last three overs but only managed 167/8 in the end as spinner Ashleigh Gardner bowled a fantastic final over, giving away just 10 runs.

India captain, Harmanpreet Kaur who made it out into the middle despite suffering from illness, was playing beautifully to reach her half-century and put her side in contention to chase down Australia’s 172/4.

But a bizarre moment sent Kaur back to the dugout when her bat jammed in the wicket as she ran it in, leaving her short of her ground as she was run out for 52.

Earlier, opener Beth Mooney played a stellar role with a half-century, while skipper Meg Lanning hit a 34-ball 49 as Australia scored a challenging 172 for 4 after opting to bat first.

Mooney scored 54 of 37 balls with seven fours and a six while Lanning gave the innings late impetus with four fours and two sixes. Gardner, WPL’s highest-paid overseas recruit, smashed 31 off 18 balls with five boundaries while Shikha Pandey took two wickets for India.