India’s campaign at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 came to a disappointing end after Australia secured a six-wicket victory at Lord’s on Sunday. Needing a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive, India posted 170/6 but failed to defend the total as the defending champions completed the chase with seven balls to spare.
Perry and Gardner power Australia
Chasing 171, Australia recovered from an early setback through a match-winning partnership between Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner. Perry played the anchor’s role with a composed half-century, while Gardner attacked from the other end to keep the required rate under control.
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The experienced duo added a century stand that took the game away from India. Gardner continued her aggressive approach after Perry’s dismissal and guided Australia home comfortably. The win ensured Australia finished at the top of the group and booked their place in the semi-finals.
Australia end India's #T20WorldCup hopes with a brilliant chase at Lord's 💪
— ICC (@ICC) June 28, 2026
📝: https://t.co/e07BKXcz3s pic.twitter.com/Hyds4GU0l0
India’s bowlers struggled to break the partnership once the two set batters settled. A few missed chances in the field also added to the team’s woes as Australia completed one of the biggest successful chases in the tournament.
Harmanpreet’s fifty goes in vain
Earlier, India were asked to bat first and managed to post a competitive 170/6. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led the innings with a fighting half-century after the team lost early momentum. Useful contributions from the middle order helped India reach a total that looked competitive on a batting-friendly pitch.
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However, the bowlers could not back up the effort with the ball as Australia’s experienced batting line-up handled the pressure with ease.
The defeat brought India’s Women’s T20 World Cup campaign to an end, with the team missing out on a place in the last four. Australia, meanwhile, continued their unbeaten run in the tournament and moved into the semi-finals as one of the favourites to lift the title.
