Australia ignited their T20 World Cup fire with a breathtaking record-breaking chase at Lord's, sending shockwaves through the tournament by eliminating India from contention. Needing just 172 to win and already assured of a semi-final spot, the Australians cruised past India's impressive total of 170-4 with six wickets and an over to spare in their final Group 1 showdown.
India's hopes hung precariously in the balance as they fought for victory to secure their place in the knockout stages. But it was too late a burst from captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, who fired off three thunderous sixes to propel India's score to 170. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma had laid the foundation with a solid opening stand of 66, but it wasn't until those final two overs that India truly gained momentum.
However, Australia's chase was put under pressure by the early dismissals of Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney. But then, like a well-oiled machine, Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner took centre stage with an unforgettable century partnership. Coming together at 68-3, needing 103 from 65 balls, they methodically built their innings before unleashing a ferocious assault on the Indian bowlers.
Perry reached her half-century but fell for 56, while Gardner remained undefeated on 50, expertly guiding Australia to a comfortable victory. The ruthless efficiency of their performance sent a clear message: they're the team to beat in this tournament. For India, the defeat was a crushing blow, finishing with three wins compared to Australia's five. And as if that wasn't enough, the outcome had significant implications for South Africa, whose qualification hung precariously on the result.
Australia used the match as an opportunity to experiment, resting key spinner Alana King and giving Ellyse Perry a rare chance with the ball. Despite some initial struggles on the Lord's pitch, their depth and ability to accelerate when required proved too much for India – underlining their status as strong contenders for the World Cup title.