India knocked out of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 after crushing loss against Australia
Mangalore Today News Network
London, June 28, 2026: India’s campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 ended in heartbreak as Australia pulled off the highest successful run chase in the tournament’s history, defeating Harmanpreet Kaur’s side by six wickets at Lord’s on Sunday.
Chasing 171, Australia rode on match-winning half-centuries from Ellyse Perry (56 off 38) and Ashleigh Gardner (53 not out off 28) to reach 172/4 in 19 overs and seal a place in the semifinals.
The defeat left India third in Group 1 with six points from five matches, while Australia and South Africa advanced to the last four with eight points each.
Earlier, India posted a competitive 170/4 after being put in to bat. Openers Smriti Mandhana (38) and Shafali Verma (34) laid a solid foundation with a 66-run opening stand before captain Harmanpreet Kaur produced a blistering unbeaten assault at the death.
Harmanpreet smashed 56 off just 26 balls, including six fours and three sixes, to lift India to a challenging total. Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 34 before retiring out in the closing stages.
Australia lost Georgia Voll early, but Phoebe Litchfield (24) and Beth Mooney (22) steadied the innings. India struck again through Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma to reduce Australia to 82/3, raising hopes of a victory.
However, Perry and Gardner combined for a decisive unbeaten partnership that swung the match in Australia’s favour. Perry reached her fifty in 33 balls before falling in the final over, while Gardner completed a 28-ball half-century and remained unbeaten to guide Australia home with an over to spare.
For India, Shree Charani claimed 2/32, while Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh picked up a wicket each.
Brief Scores: India 170/4 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 56, Smriti Mandhana 38, Shafali Verma 34; Sophie Molineux 2/46) lost to Australia 172/4 in 19 overs (Ellyse Perry 56, Ashleigh Gardner 53*, Phoebe Litchfield 24; Shree Charani 2/32) by six wickets.