New Delhi: India’s Women’s T20 World Cup campaign comes down to one final group-stage match. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side will take on Australia at Lord’s on Sunday
with a place in the semi-finals still within reach but the outcome will also depend on what happens earlier in the day.
Australia have already put themselves in a strong position after winning all four of their matches and are almost certain to finish in the top two. India, meanwhile, have won three of their four games and currently sit second in Group A. South Africa are still in the race after their big victory over the Netherlands, making the final day a tense battle between three teams.
With Pakistan and the Netherlands already eliminated and Bangladesh needing a major upset to stay relevant, all eyes will be on Sunday’s two matches at Lord’s.
What happens if India lose?
IfIndia fail to beat Australia, their hopes will rest entirely on Bangladesh and in that situation, Bangladesh must defeat South Africa for India to remain in contention.
If that result happens, India and South Africa would finish level on points, meaning net run rate would decide who joins Australia in the semi-finals. India currently have the better net run rate, giving them an important advantage heading into the final round.
However, if South Africa beat Bangladesh and India lose to Australia, India’s tournament will come to an end.
What if India beat Australia?
A victory over Australia would move India onto eight points and strengthen their chances of progressing. If Bangladesh also defeat South Africa, India will comfortably qualify for the last four. But if South Africa win their match both India and the Proteas would finish on eight points, leaving net run rate to decide which team advances alongside Australia.
There is also the possibility of rain affecting the India-Australia game. If the match is abandoned, India will earn one point. In that case, Bangladesh must beat South Africa for India to have any chance of qualifying. A South African victory would eliminate India from the competition.
With qualification still in their own hands to a large extent, India know a strong performance against Australia could make all the difference as the race for the semi-finals is set for a dramatic finish at Lord’s.
