ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: How Team India's fate to reach semi-finals lies in PAK vs NZ clash

India needed to win their clash against Australia in the Group A stage to make it to the semi-finals of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. However, in a tightly contested match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, the Aussies edged past India to win by just 9 runs, securing their place in the semi-finals. This loss now leaves the Indian women's cricket team with two wins and two losses in the tournament, creating a tense situation and no clue if they could progress to the Top 4.

But can India qualify for the semi-finals despite the loss?

While India still has a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, the path has become increasingly difficult. Currently sitting second in Group A after victories against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, India remains in contention. India will qualify if Pakistan beats New Zealand, but specific conditions must be met: Pakistan must win by no more than 53 runs if they bat first, or with no more than 9.1 overs remaining if they chase, assuming a first-innings score of 150 in both scenarios.

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New Zealand, who occupy the third position in the group, now holds the key to India's fate. If they defeat Pakistan in their final league match, the White Ferns will advance, eliminating India from the tournament. However, if Pakistan manages to upset New Zealand, India could still progress to the semi-finals.

Crucially, India's superior Net Run Rate (NRR) compared to New Zealand means that a victory for Pakistan would allow India to advance. Therefore, India's hopes now hinge on Pakistan's performance in their upcoming game. However, the Women in Green, in the three matches they have played so far, have won only one against Sri Lanka and lost the other two against India and Australia. It's important to note that Pakistan also has a slim chance of reaching the semi-finals. 

India Women Squad:

Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Sajeevan Sajana, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Thakur Singh, Yastika Bhatia, Dayalan Hemalatha, Radha Yadav, Pooja Vastrakar

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