Australia Knock India Out of Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 as Perry and Gardner Script Record Chase

Australia vs India Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 ended in heartbreak for the Women in Blue as Australia produced a stunning run chase at Lord’s to secure a six-wicket victory and eliminate India from the tournament.

Chasing 171, Australia reached 172/4 with six balls remaining, completing the highest successful chase in Women’s T20 World Cup history. The experienced duo of Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner played fearless knocks under pressure, scoring crucial half-centuries to guide Australia into the semi-finals.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s explosive fifty gives India hope

India posted a competitive 170/4 after being asked to bat first. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a steady start before Australia captain Sophie Molineux broke the partnership.

Mandhana scored 38 runs, while Harmanpreet Kaur changed the momentum with a sensational late assault. The Indian captain smashed a 25-ball fifty, the fastest by an Indian batter at a Women’s T20 World Cup, finishing with 56 off 27 balls.

Her explosive final over, featuring three sixes, helped India reach 170 — their highest total against Australia in Women’s T20 World Cup history.

Perry and Gardner silence Lord’s crowd

Australia’s chase began positively with contributions from Phoebe Litchfield and Beth Mooney. However, India kept fighting and created pressure during the middle overs.

With 62 runs needed from the final six overs, Perry and Gardner took control. Perry scored 56 while Gardner remained unbeaten on 53, attacking India’s bowling attack with calculated aggression.

The pair reduced the equation to 17 runs from 18 balls before Georgia Wareham finished the chase with the winning runs.

India’s World Cup campaign ends

The defeat meant India failed to qualify for the semi-finals for the second consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup. Australia and South Africa progressed from Group A.

Australia will face West Indies in the semi-final, while South Africa will take on England. Despite Harmanpreet’s brilliant innings, Australia’s calm chase under pressure proved decisive in a dramatic Lord’s encounter.