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Team India have kept their dreams of reaching the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals alive by securing an impressive 82-run triumph against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a pivotal role with the bat, propelling India to a significant victory.
This crucial win has elevated India’s Net Run Rate (NRR) to +0.576, positioning them in second place in the group, just behind the top-ranked Australia. However, their fate remains uncertain as they face Australia in a critical final group-stage match that will be vital for their progression.
Victory over Australia essential for semi-final advancement
Notably, India’s chances of advancing to the semi-finals rely heavily on their upcoming match against Australia. A win would likely guarantee their place in the last four, resulting in a three-way tie among India, Australia, and New Zealand, all with 6 points (3 victories from 4 matches). In such a scenario, the NRR will play a crucial role in determining which teams move forward to the knockout stages, with India currently holding a better NRR compared to the White Ferns.
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Defeat to Australia complicates India’s route
Should India falter against Australia, their semi-final hopes would then depend on the outcomes of other matches. Australia, with four consecutive victories, would automatically lead the group and qualify. For India to advance, they would need Australia to triumph over Pakistan, while New Zealand must lose at least one of their remaining games against Sri Lanka or the Women in Green.
In this situation, India’s NRR must stay above Pakistan’s to ensure they qualify as runners-up. Pakistan might also gather 4 points, making it essential for India to maintain a higher NRR. Meanwhile, New Zealand find themselves in a similar predicament, but their NRR is currently lower than India’s, reducing the likelihood of them overtaking the Women in Blue.
Crucial matches to follow for India’s qualification
India’s progression to the semi-finals hinges on their performance against Australia and the results of other significant matches, including New Zealand’s encounters with Sri Lanka and Pakistan, along with the Australia vs Pakistan clash. As the group stage approaches its end, fans are keen to see how the final standings unfold and whether India can secure their spot in the knockout phase.
