Defending champions Australia managed to secure a narrow nine-run victory over India on Sunday, despite the absence of their captain Alyssa Healy, who was sidelined due to a foot injury sustained during a previous match against Pakistan. Tahlia McGrath stepped up to lead the six-time winners in Sharjah, with Healy's replacement Grace Harris contributing a top score of 40. McGrath herself hit 32 as Australia set a target of 151-8 after opting to bat first.
In response, India finished on 142-9, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur remaining unbeaten on 54. She formed a crucial fourth-wicket partnership of 63 with Deepti Sharma, who scored 29, and pushed the match into the final over. India required 14 runs off the last six balls, but lost four wickets as Australian bowler Annabel Sutherland conceded just four runs.
The win extended Australia's winning streak in the tournament to 15 matches, securing their place in the semi-finals for the ninth consecutive time. India's hopes now rest on arch-rivals Pakistan defeating New Zealand in their final group match. A New Zealand win would see them take second place in Group A and advance to the semis, while a Pakistan victory would leave all three teams on four points, with net run-rate determining who progresses.
Medium-pace bowler Renuka Singh made an early impact for Australia, taking two wickets in successive balls to dismiss Beth Mooney for two and Georgia Wareham for a duck. Harris and McGrath then steadied the innings with a 62-run partnership, with McGrath leading the charge with a 26-ball 32 that included four fours. Ellyse Perry further boosted the innings with a quickfire 32 off 23 deliveries, forming a brisk stand of 33 for the sixth wicket with Phoebe Litchfield, who remained unbeaten on 15 and finished the innings with a six.
Off-spinner Deepti Sharma claimed two wickets, including those of Harris and Perry, and nearly had Litchfield lbw. Litchfield, a left-hander, attempted a switch hit, and the ball hit her pads from outside the leg-stump. India contested the call, arguing that the change of stance should be considered for a right-hander. The batter initially walked off but returned smiling after the third official ruled her not out.
Australia's fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck was earlier ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after dislocating her shoulder during the match against Pakistan.
