By Deepak Sharma (Indian Correspondent)
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Sharjah, UAE (13-10-2024): Australia have booked their place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals with a tense nine-run win over India in Sharjah. Grace Harris’ solid knock of 40 provided the foundation for Australia’s innings, while Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland claimed two wickets each to help defend their total. India, led by a valiant unbeaten 54 from Harmanpreet Kaur, fell just short and now require Pakistan to defeat New Zealand to have a chance at advancing.
After opting to bat first, Australia faced early setbacks when Renuka Singh Thakur dismissed both Beth Mooney and Georgia Wareham in quick succession during the third over. Mooney was caught at point by Radha Yadav, while Wareham fell for a golden duck, although a review would have shown the ball missing leg stump.
Harris and stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath then rebuilt the innings, steering Australia to 37 for two at the end of the powerplay. The pair put on a 62-run partnership, accelerating with boundaries before McGrath was stumped by Richa Ghosh for 32 off Yadav’s bowling.
Harris continued to attack but was caught at short midwicket for 40 off Deepti Sharma, and Ashleigh Gardner soon followed, skying a delivery to Yadav off Pooja Vastrakar for six. Australia found themselves 101 for five with five overs remaining.
Ellyse Perry and Phoebe Litchfield provided a late surge, hitting three consecutive boundaries to keep the momentum alive. Perry’s quickfire 32 ended when she was caught at square leg off Sharma, but Australia managed to post a competitive total of 151 despite losing late wickets.
In response, India’s Shafali Verma gave her side a flying start, but she was caught at long-on for 20 off Gardner’s bowling. Molineux struck again, trapping Smriti Mandhana LBW after a successful review, leaving India at 41 for two at the end of the powerplay.
Megan Schutt added to India’s troubles by dismissing Jemimah Rodrigues for 16, as Molineux and Sutherland tightened their grip, limiting India to 67 for three after ten overs. Despite some resistance, Kaur and Deepti Sharma found it difficult to accelerate, and India needed 53 off the final five overs.
Sharma was eventually caught on the boundary for 29, and Ghosh was run out following a brilliant direct hit by Litchfield, shifting the momentum back to Australia. Kaur and Vastrakar managed to find some boundaries, leaving India needing 14 runs off the last over. However, Australia’s bowlers held their nerve, taking crucial wickets and keeping Kaur off strike to secure a hard-fought win.
Match Summary
Australia: 151/8 in 20 overs (Grace Harris 40, Tahlia McGrath 32, Ellyse Perry 32; Renuka Singh Thakur 2/24, Deepti Sharma 2/28)
India: 142/9 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 54*, Deepti Sharma 29; Annabel Sutherland 2/22, Sophie Molineux 2/32)
Result: Australia won by nine runs.