How Pakistan can help India qualify for Women's T20 World Cup 2024 semis

India lost to Australia in their final Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 group game on Sunday (Oct 13) in Sharjah, denting their chances of directly qualifying for the semis. That loss, however, doesn’t entirely rule out India’s chances of making it to the last four, as Pakistan, India’s arch-rival, can help them achieve their goal. Pakistan, who faces New Zealand in their final league match, must win to help India cruise ahead.

How can India still reach semis?

India lost their first match against New Zealand by 58 runs but won their next two against Pakistan and Sri Lankarespectively, to keep their semis hope alive. India needed to beat Australia by a considerable margin on Sunday to make it to the semis alongside the defending champions. But a loss, by anarrow margin,kept them hanging.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

So, how can India still make it to the semis? Pakistan must beat New Zealand in the first place for this to become a reality.

If Pakistan wins on Monday (Oct 14), they, alongside India and New Zealand, will have four points each, with the Women in Blue marching ahead on better NRR.

ALSO READ:Australia selector George Bailey confirms Steve Smith’s batting position against India; Green ruled out of BGT

However, for Pakistan to top India and New Zealand and reach the semis with their current NRR reading -0.488, they need a miraculous effort to go through.

But, if New Zealand beats Pakistan, both Asian teams will get knocked out of the tournament, with the White Ferns and Australia reaching the semis.

Australia beat India by nine runs, becoming the first team to qualify for the semis. They maintained their winning run, making it four in four matches in this competition.

Meanwhile, India coach Amol Mazumdar reflected on the lostopportunity to make it to the semis with this India squad, saying the team must learn from this loss.

India dropped three catches, missed one stumping and had an LBW call that went against them during the Australia game.

"I think we were in the game right till the last over, just that experience of Australia saw them through," Muzumdar said after the game. "A little disappointed with the loss. I feel we've fielded pretty well. A couple of chances could've been taken and things could've been different."

Meanwhile, Pakistan and New Zealand will face off in their final group game on Monday in Dubai.

(With inputs from agencies)