India women’s cricket team kicked-off their Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a disappointing 58-run defeat to New Zealand on October 4 at Dubai International Stadium. Chasing a target of 161 on a sluggish pitch, India’s famed top-order collapsed, losing early wickets and failing to build momentum.
Defeat against New Zealand has heightened pressure on Women in Blue. With a damaged net run rate and tough matches ahead, India’s path to semi-finals looks difficult.
Also on ABP Live | Section 163 Imposed In Gwalior Amid Protests Call By Hindu Mahasabha For Cancellation Of India vs Bangladesh 1st T20I
India now faces a must-win scenario to keep their semi-final hopes alive in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. With 10 teams split into two groups, only the top two from each group will advance to Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals.
A single defeat could prove costly for India, as every match from here on is crucial in their fight to remain in contention for a spot in the knockout stages.
India, after losing their opening game against New Zealand, is currently in fourth place on Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 points table. In Group A, New Zealand tops the standings with 2 points, followed by Pakistan in second place, also with 2 points.
Meanwhile, in Group B, Bangladesh leads with 2 points, with South Africa close behind in second, also on 2 points. India’s position makes their remaining matches in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 crucial as they look to improve their standing and keep their semi-final hopes alive.
India women’s team will play some very important matches ahead, beginning with their much-awaited showdown against arch-nemesis Pakistan on October 6. They will also face Sri Lanka on October 9 and Australia on October 13. Each of these encounters is a must-win for Harmanpreet Kaur-led India, as any loss could diminish their chances of reaching Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals.
With three group-stage matches left, India will need to win at least two of them by a substantial margin to enhance their chances of advancing to the semi-finals of Women’s T20 World Cup tournament.
India’s next two group-stage matches are against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, followed by a final encounter with Australia. To secure a spot in the semi-finals, India must win decisively against both Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Even if they lose to multiple-time champions Australia, they will need to keep margin of defeat small to maintain their chances of advancing to knockout stage.
