T20 World Cup: India will be cheering New Zealand to beat Australia. Here's why

Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Harmanpreet Kaur's India will hope for New Zealand to beat Australia in their upcoming clash on Tuesday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

In Short

• India have a tough road on their way to the T20 World Cup semis
• The Australia vs New Zealand game holds a lot of importance for India
• India beat Pakistan by 6 wickets on Sunday

India defeated Pakistan by six wickets on Sunday, but their fate in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 still hangs by a thread. For now, wins in all their remaining matches won’t guarantee them a spot in the semi-finals of the mega event in the United Arab Emirates. It’s mostly because of their inferior net run rate of -1.217 thanks to their massive 58-run loss to New Zealand in their opening game.

On Tuesday, October 8, Australia and the White Ferns will face each other in a Group A match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Alyssa Healy’s Aussies have a net run rate of +1.908 while New Zealand are right up there with a net run rate of +2.900.

Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Full Coverage

Harmanpreet Kaur’s women should keep a close eye on the game as the result of the match could end up playing a crucial role in deciding the two teams from the group in the semis.

AUS vs NZ Result crucial for India

Considering Australia, India and New Zealand win all their matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan

If New Zealand beat Australia

New Zealand will end up with 8 points (4 wins out of 4 matches)

In that scenario, if India beat Australia, India will finish with 6 points (3 wins out of 4 matches) and directly qualify for the semis.

Australia will finish third with 4 points (2 wins out of 4 matches) and will be eliminated.

If Australia beat New Zealand

In this scenario, India have to beat Australia to stay in contention.

If India win, New Zealand, Australia and India will end up with 6 points each (3 wins out of 4 matches), after which the two teams with a better net run rate will advance.

India will be knocked out of the competition if they lose to the Aussies.

How has New Zealand fared against Australia?

New Zealand have faced Australia in 51 Women’s T20Is since 2006. Out of them, the White Ferns have won 21 times while the Aussies won 28 times. One match was tied while one game did not produce a result.

In the Women’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand have a 3-4 record over their opponents. In their last 10 completed matches in Women’s T20Is, Australia have an 8-2 lead.