India vs Australia : The first semi-final of the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup saw India take on Australia in Cape Town. The match was expected to be a closely fought encounter, and it lived up to expectations. In the end, Australia managed to hold their nerve and secure a five-run win over India.
The semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 between India and Australia took place on 23rd February at Newlands, Cape Town. With India playing without Pooja Vastrakar, who was replaced by Sneh Rana, Harmanpreet Kaur took the lead to face the strong Australian team.
The Australian women’s team has been in great form, having won all their matches leading up to the semi-final. India, on the other hand, had a tough journey, having lost their first match but winning the rest to reach the semi-finals.
The match started with Australia winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Beth Mooney, who has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, and Meg Lanning were the stars for the Australian team. Mooney smashed 54 runs off 37 balls, while Lanning remained unbeaten with 49 runs off 34 balls. As a result, the Australian team posted a massive total of 172/4 in 20 overs.
India vs Australia : India’s chase got off to a poor start, losing Smriti Mandhana early in the innings. However, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur led a counter-attack, with Harmanpreet playing a captain’s knock of 52 runs off 40 balls. Despite the efforts of the Indian team, the target proved to be too high as Australia’s Darcie Brown and Ashleigh Gardner picked up two wickets each, limiting India to 167/8 in 20 overs.
The final result of the match was Australia winning by five runs.
Here’s a look at the highlights and analysis of the match : India vs Australia Women’s T20 World Cup Semi-final Match
- Australia sets a formidable total Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Australia got off to a solid start with openers Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney putting on a 55-run partnership. Mooney, in particular, was in fine form, scoring a quick-fire half-century off just 37 balls. Captain Meg Lanning then took charge and played a captain’s knock, remaining unbeaten on 49 off 34 balls. In the end, Australia posted a formidable total of 172/4 in their 20 overs.
- Harmanpreet’s knock goes in vain Chasing a challenging target, India got off to a poor start, losing opener Shafali Verma in the very first over. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues tried to rebuild the innings, but both fell in quick succession. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then took charge and played a captain’s knock, scoring a quick-fire half-century off just 34 balls. However, her efforts went in vain as India fell short by five runs.
- Darcie Brown and Ashleigh Gardner star with the ball Australia’s bowlers were excellent in defending their total, with Darcie Brown and Ashleigh Gardner being the pick of the bowlers. Brown, in particular, was outstanding, taking two wickets in her very first over. Gardner, on the other hand, picked up two crucial wickets towards the end of the innings, ensuring that Australia held on for a narrow win.
- India’s poor fielding costs them India’s poor fielding proved to be costly, with several catches being dropped and misfields giving away crucial runs. It was a disappointing performance from a team that had been so impressive in the tournament up until this point.
- Australia through to the final With this win, Australia have reached their seventh straight Women’s T20 World Cup final, and they will be looking to win their fifth title. They will face either England or South Africa in the final, which promises to be an exciting encounter.
India vs Australia : It was a closely fought encounter between two of the best teams in women’s cricket. Australia held their nerve and secured a narrow win, thanks to some excellent batting and bowling performances. India, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance, particularly in the field. They will now have to regroup and come back stronger in the next tournament.
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