In a tense match filled with injuries and high stakes, Australia managed to sneak past India by nine runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup, leaving India’s semi final ambitions hanging by a thread.
Nearly 15,000 enthusiastic fans filled the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday for what turned out to be an unforgettable 'injury derby.'
India's woes began even before the match started when leg-spinner Asha Sobhana injured her knee just before the national anthems were sung.
This unfortunate incident added to Australia’s challenges, as their skipper Alyssa Healy was already limping on crutches due to a foot injury, and they had also lost fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck to a dislocated shoulder.
These personnel deficits were offset by Australia’s fighting spirit, showcasing what sets champions apart from mere contenders.
Chasing a target of 152 runs on a tricky pitch, India began their innings cautiously.
Shafali Verma tried to accelerate the scoring but was dismissed by Ashleigh Gardner.
Smriti Mandhana fell victim to the left-arm spin of her RCB teammate Sophie Molineux on her very first ball, leaving India in a precarious position at 2 wickets down within the first few overs.
Megan Schutt continued her impressive World Cup form, dismissing the dangerous Jemimah Rodrigues, which left India reeling at 3 wickets down for just 24 runs.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma, however, fought back with a 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing some hope to the Indian camp.
As the game progressed, both batters found it increasingly difficult to score, as Australia tightened their grip on the match.
Despite a dropped catch that could have ended Deepti’s innings, she eventually fell to Molineux, who made amends for her earlier mistake.
Pooja Vastrakar's brief stint at the crease provided Harmanpreet with much-needed support as the innings drew to a close.
India needed 10 runs off the final two balls, but the mounting pressure proved too much, and they fell just short.
Earlier, Australia won the toss and opted to bat first.
Tahlia McGrath aimed to put India under pressure with a challenging total.
The Australian innings had a shaky start, losing Beth Mooney and Georgia Wareham in quick succession.
McGrath promoted herself in the batting order to stabilize the innings alongside Grace Harris, who had to adjust her aggressive style to build a solid partnership.
Despite several lifelines offered by the Indian fielders, including a dropped catch from Harmanpreet that let McGrath off the hook, Australia managed to put together a competitive score of 151.
Ellyse Perry contributed a quick 32 runs off 23 balls, while a late surge from Phoebe Litchfield helped elevate Australia’s total just beyond India’s reach.
