Fans erupt after Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry help Australia eliminate India from the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

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Cricket fans worldwide are reeling after a high-stakes blockbuster at the home of cricket. In the 30th Match of Group 1 at Lord’s in London on June 28, 2026, Australia Women clashed with India Women in a crucial encounter of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. In a breathtaking finish that lived up to the storied rivalry between these two powerhouses, Australia managed to pull off a sensational six-wicket victory, chasing down a formidable target with a full over to spare. The devastating loss officially eliminated India from the tournament, leaving Indian supporters heartbroken while cricket enthusiasts erupted over a masterclass in modern T20 chasing.

Opting to set a target on a pristine Lord’s surface, India’s batting department showed immense intent from the absolute get-go. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma laid down a solid platform, stringing together a 66-run opening stand. Verma was aggressive during her 26-ball 34, smashing four fours and a six before being cleaned up by Sophie Molineux. Mandhana anchored the initial phase with a steady 38 off 37 deliveries until a sharp piece of fielding resulted in her being run out. Jemimah Rodrigues kept the scoreboard ticking with a crucial 34 off 28 balls before retiring out late in the innings.

However, the real impetus came from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who played an absolute gem of an innings when India needed it most. Walking in with a clear license to attack, Kaur tore through the Australian bowling attack. She brought up a spectacular half-century off just 25 balls, finishing with an explosive 56 runs from a mere 27 deliveries. Her magnificent cameo was studded with six boundaries and two towering sixes, operating at a strike rate of over 207. Despite Molineux picking up two wickets, Kaur’s late-overs onslaught successfully propelled India to a highly competitive total of 170/4 in their allotted 20 overs.

Chasing 171 for survival and glory, Australia’s response started on a shaky note. Indian pacer Renuka Singh struck in the very first over, trapping Georgia Voll leg-before for just 4. Phoebe Litchfield (24) and Beth Mooney (22) steadied the ship slightly, but when India’s emerging bowler Shree Charani and veteran Deepti Sharma struck quick blows to reduce Australia to 68/3 in the tenth over, the match hung heavily in India’s favour.

What followed next was a dramatic counter-offensive anchored by two icons of Australian cricket. Player of the Match Ellyse Perry teamed up with Ashleigh Gardner to construct a flawless, match-winning partnership of 100 runs off only 57 deliveries. Perry anchored the chase brilliantly with a clinical 56 off 38 balls, including eight boundaries. Meanwhile, Gardner acted as the primary aggressor, matching India’s fire with a destructive, unbeaten 53 off just 29 balls, laced with three fours and three huge sixes.

Though Charani broke the partnership by dismissing Perry in the 19th over to finish with commendable figures of 2/32, the damage was already done. Gardner remained calm, guiding Australia across the line at 172/4 with six balls remaining. The stunning chase broke Indian hearts and sent shockwaves through social media, cementing Australia’s semi-final credentials while abruptly ending India’s World Cup dreams.

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In women's cricket there is daylight & there is Ellyse Perry…. Queen Ellyse Perry is the greatest ever to play women's cricket in any format 👑👑

— King In The North👑👑 (@KingInThe2North) June 28, 2026

A target of 171 was highly competitive but giving away 41 runs in Renuka Singh's 4 overs & failing to contain Ellyse Perry cost India the game

Australia chased it down with a full over to spare

— SaffronSoul (@TheRealDharm) June 28, 2026

The king was there in the stadium so ofc the queen of w cricket had to show her class, all hail queen ellyse perry 🐐❤️

— Kevin (@imkevin149) June 28, 2026

> No retirement gimmick > No crying for sympathy > No choking in KOS

Just pure performance for the team that's goat Ellyse Perry for you 🔥🔥

— D.🇲🇰 (@dkhive102) June 28, 2026

Ellyse Perry Clutch Goddess 🫡🔥

— Yooo (@cricaddict2004) June 28, 2026

A day that showcased resilience and character. Harmanpreet Kaur delivered a fine half-century, while Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner displayed immense composure under pressure. Every tournament teaches valuable lessons, and this one will leave the team with plenty to reflect…

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) June 28, 2026

#T20WorldCup

You wait so long for one, and then two come along in quick time. An absolute legend of the game…. and she keeps finding ways to be a better version. 🙏

Elite, Ellyse Perry. Truly no one like her.👑

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) June 28, 2026

🚨 INDIA HAS BEEN KNOCKED OUT🚨

– Ellyse Perry single-handedly booted India out of the World Cup.💥

– After pocketing a rigged World Cup on home turf, India is right back where they belong.

– The Aussie GOAT just proved she's miles ahead of these IPL frauds. 💛

— Mian Ahmad (@aHmADmIaN150) June 28, 2026

Ellyse Perry… just a clutch player. Yes, she was kind of criticised for that 77 off 88 on a motorway in the WC SF. But, today, this has been a superlative innings.

Just spool back in time to the 2010 T20 World Cup to recollect some memories. It was the last over of the final…

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) June 28, 2026

Unbeaten Australia ⚡⚡#INDvAUS #TeamIndia #T20WorldCup

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) June 29, 2026

Also READ: Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s blistering knock powers England to a commanding win over New Zealand in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.