Australia Eliminate India, Storm into World Cup Semifinals

Defending champions Australia Women continued their dominant march in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, defeating arch-rivals India Women by six wickets at Lord's to finish the group stage unbeaten and book their place in the semifinals.

The victory also ended India's World Cup campaign, while South Africa Women claimed the second semifinal spot from Group A.

India, facing a must-win encounter, opted to bat first after winning the toss. Openers Smriti Mandhana (38) and Shafali Verma (34) laid a solid foundation with a 66-run partnership before captain Harmanpreet Kaur produced a sensational late assault.

The Indian skipper smashed 56 off just 27 balls, including three consecutive sixes in the final over off Sophie Molineux, powering India to a competitive 170/4 in 20 overs.

Australia's chase began on a shaky note as Renuka Singh Thakur dismissed Georgia Voll in the opening over. India tightened the screws through Deepti Sharma, who became the highest wicket-taker in women's international cricket with 356 wickets, and Shree Charani, reducing Australia to 72/3 at the halfway mark.

However, Australia's experience shone through as Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner combined for a match-winning 100-run partnership. Perry anchored the chase with 56 off 38 balls, while Gardner blasted 53 off 29, guiding Australia to 172/4 in the 19th over.

The successful chase of 171 became the highest run chase in ICC Women's T20 World Cup history, underlining Australia's championship pedigree.

With five wins from five group-stage matches, Australia advanced to the semifinals as Group A leaders, while India's hopes of lifting the World Cup came to an end.