India crash out in group stage, fail to reach semis after 8 years

India’s campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 came to a heartbreaking end as the Women in Blue crashed out of the ICC tournament in the group stage for the first time in eight years. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side faced an early exit after a dramatic nine-run defeat to Australia, followed by New Zealand’s subsequent victory over Pakistan, which officially sealed India’s fate.
India finished in third place in Group A with four points, having lost two matches — against New Zealand and Pakistan. Australia topped the group as it won all four games while New Zealand finished second with six points from four games. This marks India’s earliest exit since their group-stage eliminations in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
In the last three editions, India had consistently reached the semifinals, including a memorable run to the final in 2020. However, the 2024 tournament highlighted areas of concern for the Indian team, sparking questions about their preparation and approach.
Pakistan vs New Zealand, Women’s T20 World Cup: HIGHLIGHTS
NEW ZEALAND REACH SEMIS
New Zealand stormed into the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup, eliminating both India and Pakistan in the process. Pakistan’s bold attempt to chase down 111 in just 10.4 overs ended disastrously, as they were bowled out for a mere 56 runs. Fatima Sana Khan and Muneeba Ali Siddiqi were the only players to reach double digits, as Pakistan crumbled under the pressure of an aggressive start. Their total stands as the second-lowest all-out score in the history of the tournament, a bitter ending to their campaign despite their effort to play outside their usual comfort zone.
New Zealand’s clinical performance, particularly in the field, sealed their spot in the semi-finals. They were sharp, pulling off two run-outs and catching everything that came their way. Kerr led the bowling attack once again, with Carson taking two wickets, while Mair, Jonas, and Tahuhu chipped in with one wicket each. This marks New Zealand’s first semi-final appearance since 2016, and they’ll be eyeing a spot in the final—a feat they haven’t achieved since 2010. For Pakistan and India, it’s the end of the road in this tournament, as New Zealand march on.
INDIA SUFFER HEARTBREAKING EXIT
India were eliminated from the Women’s T20 World Cup after New Zealand stormed into the semi-finals with a commanding 54-run victory over Pakistan on Monday. Notably, India started their campaign with a lackluster performance against New Zealand, losing by 52 runs, which immediately placed them in a tough spot for semifinal qualification. However, they bounced back impressively against Pakistan, with Arundhati Reddy’s three-wicket haul helping restrict Pakistan to 105/8. Despite a sluggish chase, India secured a win in 18.5 overs.
The batting unit redeemed itself in the next match against Sri Lanka, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana scoring half-centuries. India registered a commanding 82-run victory, their biggest in T20 World Cup history, which boosted their net run rate. However, they faltered under pressure against Australia, suffering a narrow defeat.
Defending champions Australia, missing their skipper Alyssa Healy, edged India by nine runs. Grace Harris top-scored with 40, while India’s chase was led by an unbeaten 54 from Harmanpreet Kaur. A 63-run partnership with Deepti Sharma brought the match to the final over, but Annabel Sutherland’s brilliant last over sealed India’s defeat.
With the 50-over World Cup approaching in less than a year, India must reflect on their T20 World Cup exit and turn this disappointment into a learning experience. India must evolve from being contenders to a true champion by addressing their shortcomings and preparing more effectively for future challenges.