In a dramatic encounter, India scraped through to the semifinals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 after narrowly winning its rain-shortened final group game against Ireland on Monday. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India triumphed by five runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method after setting a target of 155-6, boosted by another half-century by star opener Smriti Mandhana, who survived a host of chances to make a career-best 87 from 56 balls.
Ireland was 54-2 in 8.2 overs and just behind the rate needed when rain arrived at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha. It meant India moved to second in Group 2 behind England and will likely go on to face defending champion and top-ranked Australia on Thursday at Newlands in Cape Town, unless England loses to Pakistan on Tuesday by enough that its net run rate dips under India’s.
India has progressed to the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 after a nail-biting encounter against Ireland, winning by five runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method in their final group game. Star opener Smriti Mandhana was the standout performer for India, smashing a career-best 87 from 56 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. Mandhana’s innings was a continuation of her excellent form in the tournament after hitting 52 against England in a losing effort.
Ireland had a disastrous start to its chase when Amy Hunter was run out going for a second run off the first ball of the innings. Orla Prendergast was bowled by Renuka Singh off the fifth ball of the first over and Ireland was reeling at 1-2. However, Lewis (32 not out) and captain Laura Delany (17 not out) brought Ireland back and might have done enough to win if they hadn’t scored only singles for the last 2.2 overs before the rain.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who led the team to a successful campaign, said, “Good to get into the semis and we will give our 100%.” With this victory, India will look to continue its winning momentum and clinch the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.
India will likely face defending champions and top-ranked Australia in the semi-finals on Thursday at Newlands in Cape Town, unless England loses to Pakistan on Tuesday, allowing India to qualify as the top team of Group 2.