Australia defeated India by six wickets in a crucial Group A match of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Lord’s, London, ending India’s campaign and confirming the tournament’s semifinal lineup.
Batting first after losing the toss, India posted a competitive 170/4 in 20 overs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a blistering 56 off 25 balls, while Smriti Mandhana scored 38 and Jemimah Rodrigues added 34. India looked well placed to defend the total in a must-win encounter.
Australia, however, produced a clinical chase. Ellyse Perry scored 56, while Ashleigh Gardner remained unbeaten on 52, combining for a match-winning 100 run partnership. Australia reached the target with an over to spare, completing the highest successful run chase in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
The defeat ended India’s hopes of reaching the semifinals despite winning three of their five group-stage matches. Australia finished the group stage unbeaten, while South Africa advanced alongside them from Group A.
The semifinal fixtures are now confirmed:
- Australia vs West Indies
- England vs South Africa
The winners of those matches will meet in the final at Lord’s on 5 July 2026.
