New Delhi (India) June 29: India was eliminated in the group stage of the Women's T20 World Cup on Sunday, June 28, at Lord's London. They suffered a six-wicket defeat against Australia in their final Group A game of the tournament. South Africa was another team to register a win against India, in the earlier matches of the competition.

India was thus forced into a do-or-die situation against Australia but failed to deliver with the required intensity, losing with an over to spare.

Harmanpreet's Fifty Lifts India to 170

India recorded its highest total against the Aussies in a Women's T20 World Cup in an innings of 170/4, because of 56 from 27 deliveries by captain Harmanpreet Kaur which included six boundaries and three sixes. 

Opening batsmen Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma had also made 66 runs in their opening spell but the middle order of India could not sustain the run-scoring effort. Jemimah Rodrigues scored 34 from 28 balls but was sadly retired hurt in the closing stages, which allowed Harmanpreet to increase the run rate.

Mooney, Gardner Seal Australia's Chase

Australia’s opener Georgia Voll was out on the second delivery, but Beth Mooney and Ash Gardner steered the side home in style with their 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Perry's 56-of-38 went for Shree Charani's bowling but Gardner held firm with an unbeaten 53-off-29 to finish her side.

Second Group-Stage Exit for India

It was the second time in two years that India could not reach the semifinals of the ICC tournament since falling out of the group stage in 2024. The Indians were third in their group A after South Africa and Australia, and have been eliminated for the second successive Women's T20 World Cup without a semi-final.

Australia had five wins to lead Group 1 with 10 points. South Africa had eight points to go in the knockout round and India, having scored just six points, was third.

Harmanpreet Admits Team Struggle in Big Games

Harmanpreet acknowledged her team’s inability to play their best when it comes to taking on top opponents.

“If I have to think about the entire tournament, we didn't do well against good teams. Against the best teams, your best should come out. I think we need to rethink about that," Harmanpreet said.

She added, "Sometimes we're in the game, but in the last few overs we concede too many runs. And when we're chasing, we're not able to score those runs. I think it's been happening for quite a long time.”