India's narrow defeat at the hands of six-time champions Australia yesterday in the Women's T20 World Cup group A match, in Sharjah, has left their semifinal hopes dangling by the finest of threads.
Chasing 152, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur led the way with an unbeaten 54-run knock but could not get her team over the line. Despite a 63-run stand for the fourth wicket between Kaur and Deepti Sharma (29), India could only manage 142 for nine in 20 overs.
Australia are already into the semifinals. India, New Zealand and Pakistan are vying for the lone remaining spot from group A. Sri Lanka were eliminated, after losing the first three matches.
Women's T20 WC: Possible scenarios for India to qualify for the semifinals
India's chances of entering the semifinals will now depend on the outcome of the match between third-placed New Zealand and Pakistan today.
If New Zealand win, they will advance into the last-four, with six points. India, with four points from four matches, will be eliminated.
However, if Pakistan beat the Kiwis, India can progress to the semifinals.
But, if Pakistan win by a huge margin, overtaking India's NRR of 0.322, then they will enter the semis.
If the Pakistan-New Zealand match is abandoned or washed out, New Zealand will go through, with five points.
India could have decided their own fate, had they been sharper in the field—the Women in Blue grassed three catches—and had shown a bit more aggression with the bat during the chase. India hit only two fours between 7.4 and the 14th over.