There is no room for error for Harmanpreet Kaur’s India in the Women’s T20 World Cup. The Women in Blue cannot afford another defeat as a loss against Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday would lead to India crashing out of the tournament before the semi-finals stage. The road became trickier for India after South Africa’s narrow four-wicket win over Bangladesh in their final group-stage match on Sunday.
South Africa’s net run-rate is +0.633, significantly lower than India’s +2.268. The Proteas Women currently have eight points from five matches, while India have six from four matches. A win for India will make them level with South Africa, but a better net run rate would take the Women in Blue to the semi-finals.
However, a loss would mean that Australia and South Africa qualify for the semis from Group A.
Earlier, India’s road to the semi-finals became difficult after the side lost to South Africa in the group stage, after registering wins over Pakistan and the Netherlands.
From Group B, England and the West Indies have already qualified for the semi-finals. If India progress to the semi-finals, the team will play their knockout match on Tuesday, June 30.