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India Knocked Out of Womens T20 World Cup 2024: The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has brought its share of thrilling moments, but unfortunately for India, their journey has come to an early end. On October 14, 2024, New Zealand secured a decisive victory over Pakistan, knocking India out of the tournament and claiming their spot in the semifinals for the first time since 2016. As the cricketing world celebrates New Zealand’s achievement, Indian fans are left to wonder what went wrong for their team and how New Zealand’s triumph over Pakistan sealed their fate.
India’s Semifinal Hopes Dashed
India’s chances of reaching the semifinals rested not on their own performance but on the outcome of the match between New Zealand and Pakistan. For India to move forward in the tournament, they needed Pakistan to beat New Zealand in their final group-stage game, and even then, Pakistan had to maintain an inferior Net Run Rate (NRR) compared to India. However, New Zealand’s commanding 54-run victory over Pakistan dashed these hopes, putting an end to India’s campaign.
In a match that saw high stakes for all three teams—New Zealand, Pakistan, and India—the White Ferns delivered a clinical performance. After being restricted to a modest total of 110 runs for six wickets in 20 overs, New Zealand’s bowlers took control of the game. Pakistan, needing to chase down the target quickly to improve their NRR and secure their own place in the semifinals, crumbled under pressure. They were bowled out for just 56 runs in 11.4 overs, allowing New Zealand to advance with three wins from four games in Group A.
A Difficult End for India
India had started their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with high hopes, but a series of setbacks, including their opening loss to New Zealand, ultimately cost them a place in the last four. In the end, India’s fate was out of their hands, relying on Pakistan’s performance to keep their tournament hopes alive. However, when New Zealand emerged victorious, India’s journey in the 2024 edition came to an unfortunate conclusion.
Australia and New Zealand: The Top Two from Group A
Australia, the reigning champions, continued to showcase their dominance throughout the group stage. They topped Group A with a perfect record, winning all four of their matches to finish with eight points. New Zealand, despite a few hiccups, secured second place with six points, thanks to their crucial win over Pakistan. India, on the other hand, missed out on a semifinal spot, while Pakistan’s hopes were dashed with their defeat in the final group-stage match.
A Closer Look at the New Zealand vs. Pakistan Game
The match between New Zealand and Pakistan on October 14 was a high-pressure encounter for both teams, especially for Pakistan, who needed a win to progress. Pakistan started well with the ball, as their bowlers restricted New Zealand to 110 for six in 20 overs. At first glance, this seemed like a below-par total, and Pakistan might have felt confident in their chances of chasing it down quickly.
New Zealand’s innings was built on a steady start by openers Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer. Bates scored 28 runs, while Plimmer contributed 17 runs. Together, they added 41 runs for the opening partnership, giving New Zealand a solid foundation. However, Pakistan’s spinners soon turned the game around, applying pressure and keeping New Zealand’s batters in check.
Omaima Sohail and Nashra Sandhu were the standout performers with the ball for Pakistan. Sohail, an off-break bowler, delivered an impressive spell, taking one wicket and conceding just 14 runs in her four overs. Sandhu, a left-arm orthodox spinner, was even more effective, claiming three wickets for 18 runs in her four overs. Together, the duo bowled 21 dot balls, slowing New Zealand’s progress and keeping them to a modest total.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
Despite their strong performance with the ball, Pakistan’s batting lineup failed to rise to the occasion. Needing to reach the target in less than 12 overs to qualify for the semifinals, Pakistan collapsed under pressure. New Zealand’s bowlers took control early, and Pakistan’s batters were unable to build any meaningful partnerships.
Amelia Kerr, New Zealand’s spinner, played a crucial role in dismantling Pakistan’s lineup, taking three wickets. However, it was the seamers Lea Tahuhu and Eden Carson who made the early breakthroughs. Tahuhu conceded just eight runs while taking one wicket, and Carson impressed with figures of two wickets for seven runs. The bowling attack proved too much for Pakistan, and their innings came to an abrupt end in the 12th over, as they were bowled out for a mere 56 runs.
What’s Next for India?
For Indian fans, this early exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup is undoubtedly disappointing. The team showed promise at various stages of the tournament, but inconsistency and a crucial loss to New Zealand in their opening match ultimately cost them a place in the semifinals. As the Indian team reflects on their performance, they will likely be looking ahead to future tournaments, hoping to come back stronger and more prepared.
In the meantime, all eyes will be on the semifinalists as the Women’s T20 World Cup moves into its final stages. Australia and New Zealand, the top two teams from Group A, will be joined by the leading teams from Group B in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament. While India’s journey has come to an end, the competition continues, and fans will be eagerly watching to see who will lift the trophy in 2024.
In conclusion, New Zealand’s victory over Pakistan not only secured their place in the semifinals but also brought an unfortunate end to India’s hopes in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. With Australia and New Zealand moving forward from Group A, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the tournament.
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