Australia Women defeated India Women by 6 wickets at Lord’s on Sunday to knock India out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The defending champions chased down 171 with 6 balls to spare, finishing at 172/4 in 18.4 overs — the highest successful run chase in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
India’s innings: In a do-or-die Group A match, India posted 170/4 after being put in to bat. Smriti Mandhana 38 and Shafali Verma 34 gave a fast start in the Powerplay. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led with a blistering 56 off 27 balls, including 3 sixes in the final over. Jemimah Rodrigues retired hurt on 34. India reached 170/4 in 20 overs.
Australia’s chase: Despite Renuka Singh Thakur striking early and Deepti Sharma dismissing Beth Mooney to become women’s cricket’s highest wicket-taker with 356 scalps, Australia stayed ahead. At 68/3 in 10 overs, Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner added a 100-run stand. Both scored half-centuries to seal the win at 172/4 in 18.4 overs.
Tournament impact: The loss eliminates India, who had earlier lost to South Africa in the group stage. Australia progress to the semi-finals unbeaten, topping Group A alongside South Africa.
Key stat: Australia’s 171 chase is now the highest successful chase in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
-Report summarised from ANI, Jun 29, 2026, with AI help.
