The Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final between India and Australia was a thrilling affair, with the Indian team coming out on top in the end. India won the match by 17 runs, with Shikha Pandey’s brilliant bowling performance being the highlight of the match.
India batted first and put up a total of 161/4 in their 20 overs. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma got the team off to a good start, with Mandhana scoring a quickfire 44 off just 28 balls. Verma then took over, scoring a brilliant 46 off just 33 balls. Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur then chipped in with useful contributions, as India posted a competitive total.
In reply, Australia got off to a good start, with Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney putting on a 50-run partnership for the first wicket. However, the Indian bowlers then came to the fore, with Shikha Pandey leading the way. She dismissed Mooney for a well-made 34, and then followed it up with the wicket of Healy for a well-made 37. This put the brakes on the Australian innings, and they eventually finished on 144/7 in their 20 overs.
Pandey was the pick of the bowlers for India, finishing with figures of 3/25 in her four overs. She was well supported by Radha Yadav, who finished with figures of 2/25 in her four overs.
With this win, India have now booked their place in the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup. They will now face either England or South Africa in the final, which will be played on Sunday. It promises to be an exciting match, and India will be hoping to lift the trophy for the first time.