India Exit T20 World Cup After Loss to Australia; England to Face South Africa
Australia and England maintained perfect records in the group stage of the T20 World Cup, both winning all their matches.
India posted 170-4 in their 20 overs, with Harmanpreet Kaur scoring a rapid 56 off 27 balls. Australia's Molineux took 2 wickets for 46 runs.
In response, Australia reached 172-4 in 19 overs, led by Ellyse Perry's 56 off 38 balls and Ash Gardner's unbeaten 53 off 29 balls.
India were eliminated from the tournament after a six-wicket defeat by Australia, resulting in South Africa advancing to the semi-finals to face England.
At Lord's, South Africa had earlier defeated Bangladesh, setting the stage for India to require a win against the undefeated Australians to progress.
India appeared well-positioned after a thrilling innings from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, whose 56 runs off 27 balls helped lift the team to 170-4 amid strong crowd support and with star player Virat Kohli watching from the stands.
India accelerated in the final overs, scoring 36 runs in the last two overs, and gained an advantage when they reduced Australia to 68-3 by the 10th over.
However, Ellyse Perry and all-rounder Ash Gardner forged a composed partnership of 100 runs from 59 balls, steering Australia close to victory.
Perry scored 56 before being dismissed with just three runs required, while Gardner remained unbeaten on 53. The pair displayed a range of deft shots and powerful strikes.
Australia secured victory with one over remaining, silencing the Indian supporters. South African players present at the venue celebrated the outcome in the historic brick pavilion.
Following this display of strength, Australia are strong favorites to face West Indies in the first semi-final on Tuesday at 14:30 BST.
England and South Africa will meet at The Oval on Thursday at 18:30 BST, while India, who had aimed to add the T20 title to their 50-over World Cup triumph last year, will exit the tournament early.
South Africa Secure Vital Win to Reach Semi-Finals
South Africa have reached the last three World Cup finals across formats but have yet to claim a title.
In their final group match, South Africa overcame Bangladesh by four wickets.
Bangladesh scored 117-5 in their 20 overs, with Sobhana Mostary top-scoring with 42 off 48 balls. Mlaba took 2 wickets for 22 runs.
South Africa chased down the target with 118-6 in 19.2 overs. Annerie Dercksen contributed 45 runs off 45 balls, while Nahida took 2 wickets for 24 runs.
South Africa's batting was inconsistent, reminiscent of their earlier matches. Captain Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed first ball, bowled by Marufa Aktar. Dane van Niekerk was trapped lbw for 3, leaving South Africa at 59-3 halfway through the innings.
Dercksen offered resistance with 45 runs but was caught behind in the 15th over. The run rate slowed, increasing tension.
Marizanne Kapp was run out for 16, and Nadine de Klerk was caught at deep mid-wicket with five runs still needed. Chloe Tryon then hit a four and a boundary to secure victory with four balls remaining.
South Africa's bowling was more effective. Kapp dismissed Juairiya Ferdous with the first ball. Despite some resistance from Bangladesh's middle order, including Mostary's 42 and captain Nigar Sultana's unbeaten 32, Bangladesh managed only 117-5.
South Africa progress to the semi-finals, aiming to end their streak of three consecutive final losses at World Cups.
However, based on this performance, they will need to improve to challenge England effectively.
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