India Knocked Out Of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 As Australia Hand 6-Wicket Defeat At Lord’s

India’s wait for a maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title continues after the Women in Blue were knocked out of the tournament by Australia on Sunday. Harmanpreet Kaur and Co needed a win at Lord’s to qualify for the semi-finals but suffered a six-wicket defeat despite a fighting half-century from their captain.

Earlier, after electing to bat, India posted a competitive 170/4, thanks to a sensational unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls from Harmanpreet Kaur. Openers Smriti Mandhana (38) and Shafali Verma (34) gave India a solid start with a 74-run partnership before Australia’s bowlers fought back. Mandhana’s innings ended in a costly run-out following a mix-up with Jemimah Rodrigues.

Harmanpreet then steadied the innings alongside Rodrigues, who retired hurt after scoring 34 off 28 balls, before taking complete control in the final over. The India skipper smashed three consecutive sixes as India collected 23 runs from the last over, with Deepti Sharma adding a boundary off the final ball to take the total to 170.

However, Australia’s experienced batting line-up chased down the target with six wickets in hand to register the highest successful run chase in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup history. The victory secured Australia’s fifth consecutive win of the tournament, confirmed their place in the semi-finals and ended India’s campaign.

All-rounder Ellyse Perry starred with a fluent 56 off 38 balls and was named Player of the Match, while Ashleigh Gardner remained unbeaten on 53. The duo stitched together the match-winning partnership after Australia lost early wickets.

Reflecting on the victory, Perry described the occasion as unforgettable, especially at the iconic Lord’s.

“Just an incredible atmosphere and amazing support from the crowd. The opportunity to play here at Lord’s against India in an amazing game… a really special day for everyone. Really appreciate everyone who came out to support us today and made it such a fun day,” Perry said after receiving the Player of the Match award.

Perry said Australia believed the target was achievable on a good batting surface and knew one strong partnership through the middle overs would put them in control.

“We felt like it was a pretty good wicket. We just needed a strong partnership through the middle there to get us a good platform for the back end,” she said.

She also praised Gardner for maintaining Australia’s momentum throughout the chase.

“I thought Ash was superb. She targeted the first six balls, which was great. She regularly found the boundary off those balls, and I think that always gives you a strong footing in the over. Then we were able to go with her to get a bit of momentum. Ash was superb,” Perry added.

Looking ahead to the knockout stage, Perry said Australia have thoroughly enjoyed the tournament so far and are excited about the challenge ahead.

“I think it’s been a wonderful tournament so far. Every venue that we’ve played at has had a great atmosphere and crowds. The cricket has been brilliant. There have been a few upsets as well, and various matches have gone right down to the wire.

“Hopefully, two more big games to go. We’ve got something to work towards. That’s what our preparation’s for, and everyone’s really enjoying it. We’ll see what happens,” she said.

Australia finished at the top of the group with 10 points and will face the West Indies in the first semi-final at the Kennington Oval on Tuesday, while India’s wait for a maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title continues.