In a dramatic turn of events during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance, clinching a crucial 54-run victory over Pakistan in their final group stage match. This victory not only propelled New Zealand into the semi-finals but also resulted in India’s unfortunate elimination from the tournament, a situation that left many fans and analysts stunned.
New Zealand Defend a Modest Total
New Zealand set a moderate target of 111 runs, which seemed achievable but proved to be a challenge for Pakistan. The New Zealand bowlers showcased exceptional skill and teamwork, dismantling the Pakistani batting lineup for a mere 56 runs.
Amelia Kerr was the standout performer, claiming three wickets and leading her team to a dominant victory. This collective effort on the field highlighted New Zealand’s depth in bowling and their ability to perform under pressure.
India’s Disappointing Exit
India entered the tournament as one of the favourites, but their journey ended in disappointment. The Women in Blue started their campaign with a sluggish performance against New Zealand, losing by 52 runs. This defeat placed them in a precarious position early on, making their path to the semi-finals increasingly difficult.
In their next match against Pakistan, India managed to bounce back impressively. Their bowlers restricted Pakistan to 105/8, with Arundhati Reddy claiming three wickets. However, the batting lineup struggled, ultimately chasing down the target in 18.5 overs—a performance that raised some concerns about their consistency.
The highlight of India’s campaign came against Sri Lanka when they registered their biggest win in T20 World Cup history by defeating them by 82 runs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her deputy Smriti Mandhana both scored half-centuries, helping India convert their net run rate from negative to positive. This victory provided a glimmer of hope for Indian fans.
However, India succumbed under pressure once again against defending champions Australia in their last league stage match. In a tense encounter, Australia edged India out with a narrow nine-run victory. Despite Harmanpreet Kaur’s valiant unbeaten 54 runs and a solid partnership with Deepti Sharma, who contributed 29 runs, India fell short of the target set by Australia.
Summary of India’s Campaign
- Against New Zealand: Lost by 52 runs.
- Against Pakistan: Won by 5 wickets.
- Against Sri Lanka: Won by 82 runs.
- Against Australia: Lost by 9 runs.
With two wins and two losses, India finished their campaign without advancing to the semi-finals. The team’s inability to perform consistently under pressure ultimately led to their exit from the tournament—a disappointing outcome for a squad that had high expectations.
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