An unbeaten half-century from the India captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, was in vain as Australia, the defending champions, took four wickets in the last over to win by nine runs and qualify for the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
India’s fate now depends on the outcome of New Zealand’s game against Pakistan in Group A on Monday.
Kaur took India close to a successful chase with 54 not out off 47 balls. India started the final over at 138 for five, needing 14 runs to win. Two run-outs and two wickets for Annabel Sutherland saw India finish on 142 for nine.
Australia chose to bat first and rode on vital middle-order runs from Tahlia McGrath (32) and Ellyse Perry (32) after the opener Grace Harris hit 40 in a total of 151 for eight. Australia finished top of Group A, winning all four games.
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India are second after two wins and two losses. Both India and New Zealand have four points each, two more than Pakistan. A win for New Zealand in the final game will see them through, while a Pakistan victory will make it a three-way fight for the final qualification spot dependent on net run-rate.
