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.
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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.
{{/usCountry}}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.
{{/usCountry}}From Group B, England and the West Indies have already qualified for the semi-finals. If India progresses to the semi-finals, the team will play their knockout match on Tuesday, June 30.
Speaking of the crucial game between India and Australia, Harmanpreet won the toss and opted to bat first. The India captain said that she would like to put the runs on the board in a must-win game.
‘India looking forward’
Ahead of the must-win game against Australia, India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana said that the team is really looking forward to a high-octane clash against one of the best sides in the world.
“We all are really looking forward to it. A very important match for us, a must-win for us to go through. Having said that, we'll stick with the processes. We'll go out there, work hard, work really hard, and try and put up the best which we can do. And I'm sure it's an important match and everyone is aware of that. But having said that, we have done well against them and we'll take that confidence ahead,” said Mandhana.
“I feel the strategy is just for us, it's about today. We just come in, we'll see the wicket, we'll see how the conditions are and how cricket we really want to play. But we've all spoken a lot about how we really want to be playing the aggressive brand of cricket, and that's something which we'll all look to do,” she added.