Australia's Perry and Gardner Knock India Out of T20 World Cup in Record Chase at Lord's
The six-wicket victory secured Australia's unbeaten run and confirmed their semi-final berth alongside South Africa from Group A.
The story
At a packed Lord's, India, needing a win to advance, posted a challenging 170 for 4. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front, smashing a brisk 56 runs off just 27 balls, including three consecutive sixes in the final over of the innings.
Opener Smriti Mandhana contributed 38, and Jemimah Rodrigues added 23. In response, Australia faced early pressure, falling to 68 for 3 in the tenth over.
However, Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner then took control, forging a crucial 100-run partnership off only 59 balls. Perry scored 56 off 33 deliveries, while Gardner remained unbeaten on 53 from 29 balls.
Their aggressive hitting, including 16 runs off Shree Charani and 17 off Renuka Singh, dramatically reduced the asking rate. Australia ultimately reached 172 for 4 with an over to spare, winning by six wickets and recording the highest successful run-chase in Women's T20 World Cup history. This victory not only maintained Australia's perfect record in Group A but also dashed India's semi-final hopes, allowing South Africa to progress.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia vs India | T20I | Australia won by 6 wickets (with 6 balls remaining) | Ellyse Perry (AUS-W) 56 runs, Ashleigh Gardner (AUS-W) 53* runs |
| South Africa vs Bangladesh | T20I | South Africa won by 4 wickets (with 4 balls remaining) | Marizanne Kapp (SA-W) Player of the Match, Annerie Dercksen (SA-W) 45 runs |
Series in play
ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Group stage concluded; Australia, England, West Indies, and South Africa qualify for semi-finals.
Tables that matter
| Competition | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Group 1 | Australia Women: 1st, South Africa Women: 2nd, India Women: 3rd | Australia and South Africa qualified for the semi-finals. |
| ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Group 2 | England Women: 1st, West Indies Women: 2nd | England and West Indies qualified for the semi-finals. |
What we'll be watching
- June 30: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Semi Final 1 – Australia vs West Indies at The Oval, London.
- July 1: India Women tour of England 2026 – England vs India [T20I] at Chester-le-Street.
- July 2: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Semi Final 2 – England vs South Africa at The Oval, London.
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