India Women vs Australia Women, 18th Match, Group A | ICC Women's T20 World Cup, 2024

In a tense Group A clash of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Australia Women secured a narrow 9-run win against India Women at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Defending a target of 151, the Australian bowlers held their nerve in the death overs to deny India's chase, securing their position in the tournament.

Opting to bat first, Australia posted a competitive total of 151/8 in their 20 overs. Grace Harris top-scored with a fluent 40 off 41 balls, while captain Tahlia McGrath (32 off 26) and Ellyse Perry (32 off 23) provided crucial middle-order runs. India's Renuka Singh (2/24) and Deepti Sharma (2/28) were the pick of the bowlers, keeping Australia in check during key moments.

India's reply got off to a rocky start with Shafali Verma (20 off 13) and Smriti Mandhana (6 off 12) falling early, leaving India struggling at 39/2. Harmanpreet Kaur's valiant 54* off 47 balls kept India in the hunt, but regular wickets in the middle overs hampered their momentum. Deepti Sharma contributed 29 off 25 before falling to Sophie Molineux, while Megan Schutt (2/25) and Annabel Sutherland (2/22) played pivotal roles in restricting India to 142/9, falling just 9 runs short of the target.

Harmanpreet Kaur's Heroic Knock in Vain as India Fall Short by 9 Runs

Harmanpreet Kaur, India's captain and talisman, played a valiant innings under pressure, scoring an unbeaten 54 off 47 balls in a tough chase against Australia Women. Her fighting knock nearly carried India to victory, but despite her best efforts, India fell just 9 runs short in a nail-biting finish.

Walking in after India lost Jemimah Rodrigues at 47/3 in the 7th over, Harmanpreet shouldered the responsibility of anchoring the innings. She displayed remarkable composure, finding boundaries when needed and keeping the scoreboard ticking through clever strike rotation. Her ability to absorb pressure and craft partnerships, especially with Deepti Sharma (29 off 25), was crucial in India staying in the hunt.

Despite losing partners regularly at the other end, Harmanpreet held firm, playing with a mix of aggression and caution. Her knock included 4 boundaries and 1 six, and she struck at a healthy rate of 114.89, refusing to give in to the mounting asking rate.

As the chase approached its climax, Harmanpreet took charge, hitting boundaries off Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland to bring the equation within India's grasp. However, Australia's disciplined bowling and sharp fielding in the death overs, including two quick run-outs, meant that Harmanpreet was left stranded at the non-striker's end as India ran out of time and wickets.

Harmanpreet's unbeaten 54, filled with grit and determination, was a standout performance, but she lacked enough support from the lower order to complete what would have been a remarkable chase. Despite the defeat, her innings once again highlighted her stature as one of the finest match-winners in women's cricket.

Australia's sharp fielding, including two run-outs by Phoebe Litchfield, further piled pressure on the Indian chase, ultimately securing their victory.

Scorecard:

Australia Women: 151/8 (20 Overs)

• Grace Harris: 40 (41), Tahlia McGrath (c): 32 (26), Ellyse Perry: 32 (23)
• Renuka Singh: 4-0-24-2, Deepti Sharma: 4-0-28-2

India Women: 142/9 (20 Overs)

• Harmanpreet Kaur (c): 54* (47), Deepti Sharma: 29 (25), Jemimah Rodrigues: 16 (12)
• Megan Schutt: 4-0-25-2, Annabel Sutherland: 4-0-22-2, Sophie Molineux: 4-0-22-2

Result: Australia Women won by 9 runs