Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Team India eliminated from the tournament as New Zealand defeat Pakistan by 54 runs to qualify for the semis: Indian Women’s National Cricket Team has been eliminated from the race of the semi-finals of the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led team’s elimination from the competition was confirmed following New Zealand’s comfortable 54-run win over Pakistan at the Cricket Stadium of Dubai on Monday, 14th of October.
The Sophie Devine-led team join the Mighty Australians as the two teams from Group A to qualify for the semi-finals phase. By securing a win in their last Group A fixture, the White Ferns have successfully managed to knockout both Pakistan and India from the tournament.
The Women in Blue lost their must-win fixture versus the Aussies in their final group A encounter, which meant they had no control over their destiny. Following their defeat versus Australia, Harmanpreet Kaur & Co needed Pakistan to do them a favour by winning against New Zealand for the Women in Blue to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition.
India, New Zealand, and Pakistan would have been level at four points apiece in Group A if Pakistan had won, and their spot in the knockout stages would have been guaranteed due to their higher net run rate (NRR).
But, if the Shaheens would have successfully chased down the target of 111 runs set by the White Ferns within 10.4 overs, then they would have guaranteed their semi-final spot, eliminating both New Zealand and India from the competition by having the better Net-Run-Rate.
In a pivotal match, Sophie Devine and company humiliate Pakistan.
Talking about the New Zealand vs Pakistan fixture, NZ captain Sophie Devine won the toss and elected to bat first at the Cricket Stadium of Dubai. Despite not picking up early-wickets, the Pakistani bowling unit were tactically smart as they didn’t allow the batters of the White Ferns to score runs freely.
Slow-left-arm-orthodox spinner Nashra Sandhu picked up the first-wicket for the Green Shirts and with the assistance of the other bowlers, she helped her side to restrict their opponents for a mere total of 110 runs in 20 overs.
Chasing a small target of 111 runs, the Fatima Sana-led team started their inning on an aggressive note from the very first ball as they entered the match with the intention of chasing down the small total within 10.4 overs.
But, their chase got off to a horrible start as they lost Aliya Riyaz in the 2nd over off the bowling of Eden Carson. Things became even more worse when Muneeba Ali was sent back to the pavilion by Lea Tahuhu and after that dismissal, Fatima Sana and company were unable to recover, eventually being bowled out for 56 runs in 11.4 overs.
Also Read: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualification Scenario of All Team 2024
For more information, visit the official website of ICC and New Zealand Cricket