LONDON, June 28, 2026 — Australia knocked India out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 after completing a record-breaking 172-run chase to secure a six-wicket victory at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday.
The six-time world champions successfully chased down 171 runs with one over to spare, registering the highest successful run chase in the tournament’s history. The victory booked Australia’s place in the semi-finals, while ending India’s campaign in heartbreaking fashion.
Australia’s successful chase was powered by experienced batter Ellyse Perry, who scored a composed 56 off 38 balls, and Ashleigh Gardner, who smashed an unbeaten 53 off just 29 deliveries. The pair rescued Australia after an early collapse, putting together a match-winning 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Australia’s innings got off to a shaky start, slipping to 68/3 in the 10th over. Openers Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, and veteran Beth Mooney were dismissed cheaply, with Renuka Singh striking in the opening over to remove Voll.
However, Perry and Gardner shifted the momentum with calm yet aggressive batting. Gardner attacked India’s spinners with several powerful sixes, while Perry anchored the innings with her trademark consistency. Both players reached their half-centuries in impressive fashion before guiding Australia across the finish line.
Earlier, India posted a competitive 170/4 after captain Harmanpreet Kaur produced a brilliant unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls. She accelerated in the closing stages, blasting three consecutive sixes in the final over as India collected 23 runs from the last six deliveries.
India’s innings began positively with openers Smriti Mandhana scoring 38 and Shafali Verma adding 34, combining for a 66-run opening partnership. Despite the solid foundation, the scoring rate remained below expectations through much of the innings.
Mandhana was run out following a mix-up with Jemimah Rodrigues, who contributed 34 runs before retiring hurt near the end of the innings. Harmanpreet’s late fireworks ultimately pushed India to a challenging total.
Despite producing one of their strongest batting performances of the tournament, India’s bowlers were unable to contain Australia’s experienced middle order. The defeat left India with six points from five matches, finishing third in Group 1.
Both Australia and South Africa advanced to the semi-finals with eight points each, while India’s hopes of winning their first Women’s T20 World Cup title came to an end.
The result also raises fresh questions about the future of Harmanpreet Kaur as India’s T20 captain, with reports suggesting this tournament could mark the end of her leadership tenure in the shortest format.
