New Delhi: Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr starred with the bat as New Zealand thrashed Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in their 3rd group-stage match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday to remain in the race for the semi-finals. New Zealand also piled pressure on Harmanpreet Kaur-led India with their win.
The race for the semi-finals has intensified in Group A with four teams still in contention for the top two spots. Australia are currently on top of the Group A standings with 6 points after three matches while India is in the 2nd spot with 4 points and a net run rate of +0.576 after three matches. New Zealand are in the 3rd spot with 4 points and a net run rate of +0.282.
Pakistan are in the 4th spot with 2 points after three matches and a net run rate of -0.488. The Women in Green are mathematically still in the race and are not completely out. While Australia are expected to to top Group A, India and New Zealand are likely to be locked in a two-way battle for the 2nd spot in the group.
New Zealand will play their final league game against Pakistan while India will take on defending champions Australia in their last league match on Sunday, October 13. Both New Zealand and India will be in a must-win situation in their respective clashes with a place in the semi-finals on the line.
What India need to do to make it to Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals?
India are currently in a tricky spot as far as their semi-final chances are confirmed despite having beaten Pakistan and Sri Lanka in their last two matches. India will have to beat Australia to remain in the race for a spot in the top four. The Women in Blue have a poor record against Australia in T20Is but will be in a must-win situation on Sunday.
India will not only have to beat Australia but ensure they beat them comprehensively to further improve their net run rate. The net run rate will be crucial for India as even a win against Australia won’t guarantee them a spot in the semi-finals. The Women in Blue will hope New Zealand go down against Pakistan to drop out of the race for the semi-finals.
While India will play against Australia in their final group match, New Zealand will take on Pakistan. If India manage to beat Australia, the Kiwis will have to ensure they get the better of Pakistan by a big margin to improve their net run rate and pip India in the race for the top 4. New Zealand will be pleased by the fact that they will be aware of the exact scenario before heading into their final league game against Pakistan which is scheduled to be played on Monday, October 14.
New Zealand hammered Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in their third group-stage clash in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 to remain in the race for the semi-finals and pile pressure on Harmanpreet Kaur-led India. Here is a look at what India need to do to make it to the semi-finals. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
