India’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 were reignited with a crucial 82-run victory over Sri Lanka. As the tournament heats up, India’s path to the last four remains complicated but achievable. With their final group-stage match against Australia looming, several scenarios could unfold, determining whether Harmanpreet Kaur’s side can secure a semi-final berth. Here are 10 key insights into how India can navigate their way to the knockout stage.
India's 82-run victory over Sri Lanka significantly improved their Net Run Rate (NRR), elevating it from -1.217 to +0.576. This boost gives them breathing room if qualification comes down to NRR.
Defeating Australia in their final group-stage match is India’s clearest path to the semi-finals. A win ensures they qualify on points without relying on NRR or other match outcomes.
If India beats Australia and New Zealand wins their remaining matches, all three teams—India, Australia, and New Zealand—could tie at six points. NRR will then decide which two teams advance.
With a win by any margin over Australia, India would put the pressure on New Zealand. A narrow win means New Zealand would need to win their remaining matches by substantial margins to surpass India’s NRR.
If Australia defeats India, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side will need both New Zealand and Pakistan to lose at least one of their remaining matches to stay in contention.
Even if India loses to Australia, a narrow defeat would still leave them a chance to qualify, provided both Pakistan and New Zealand falter in their fixtures. NRR would again play a crucial role.
New Zealand plays the last group match against Pakistan, which gives them an advantage—they will know exactly what they need to do to leapfrog India’s NRR, adding suspense to the qualification scenario.
Pakistan is a dark horse in the group, and if they win their remaining matches, it could complicate India’s chances further. A Pakistan win would add another layer to the NRR battle.
India must maintain consistent performances throughout their group matches. Any slip-up in the remaining game against Australia could severely jeopardize their semi-final hopes.
While India controls their destiny with a win over Australia, if they lose, their fate will be tied to the outcomes of New Zealand and Pakistan’s matches, making external results equally critical.