T20 World Cup: How close are India to semis berth after record win vs Sri Lanka?

Women's T20 World Cup: India gave themselves a massive boost for a semis berth after beating Sri Lanka by 82 runs on Wednesday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

In Short

• India boosted their net run rate to +0.576
• India beat Sri Lanka by 82 runs on Wednesday in Dubai
• India are second in the points table in Group A

India started their campaign in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a heavy 58-run loss against New Zealand. Although they won against Pakistan by six wickets, their purpose wasn’t quite served after their net run rate stayed in the negatives. Under immense pressure, Harmanpreet Kaur’s India boosted their chances of making their way through to the semis.

India recorded their biggest win by margin of runs in the T20 World Cup after beating Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka by 82 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Smriti Mandhana’s 50 laid the platform after which skipper Harmanpreet used the long handle to good effect, hitting the fastest fifty by an Indian woman in the history of the mega event.

India vs Sri Lanka, Women's T20 World Cup Highlights

Shafali Verma also became the youngest to the landmark of 2000 runs in Women’s T20Is. After posting 172 for three on the board, India did not look back. Renuka Singh and Shreyanka Patil made early inroads after which Arundhati Reddy and Asha Sobhana picked up three wickets apiece.

India bowled Sri Lanka out for 90 in 19.5 overs. That India improved their net run rate from -1.271 from +0.576 gave them some breathing space. Their win over the Islanders have put pressure on Sophie Devine’s New Zealand before their last two games against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Here’s how the scenario stands after the India vs Sri Lanka

Considering New Zealand, Australia and India beat Pakistan and Sri Lanka

India beat Australia

India, Australia and New Zealand will be locked on 6 points each (3 wins out of 4 matches). In that case, the two teams with the better net run-rate will go through to the semi-finals.

Given the current net run rates of all three teams, India (+0.576) and Australia (+2.524) should advance to the semis above New Zealand (-0.555).

India lose to Australia

Australia with 8 points (4 out of 4 matches), and New Zealand with 6 points (3 wins out of 4 matches) will qualify for the semi-finals. India with 4 points (2 wins out of 4 matches) will be knocked out of the competition.

Others

India can also sneak into the semis with 4 points (2 wins out of 4 matches), but for that to happen, Pakistan and Sri Lanka need to beat New Zealand and Australia.

Here’s the points table after the India vs Sri Lanka clash

Here’s the head-to-head record between India and Australia

India have won only seven out of 34 matches against Australia in Women’s T20Is since they first met in 2008. One game was tied while one match did not produce a result. In Women’s T20 World Cups, India have a 2-4 record against Australia.