Women's T20 World Cup 2024 - How can India qualify for semis after Sri Lanka win?

The Indian women's team won its second match in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup 2024 against Sri Lanka on Wednesday (Oct 9), strengthening their chances of qualifying for the semis. Despite starting the tournament with a heavy 58-run loss at the hands of New Zealand, India remained in the race for the top-four finish with two straight wins. So, after improving their NRR with their biggest win (by runs) in this tournament the other night, how can they qualify for the semis?

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While India's six-wicket win over Pakistan wasn't enough for them to rise on the NRR ladder because they took longer to complete the chase, their massive victory over the Asian Champions in Dubai saved their stance on the points table. With India is yet to face the defending champions Australia in their final Group Stage game on Sunday (Oct 13), the semis race remains open and exciting.

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India batted first, with openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma adding 98 for the first wicket. After the fall of their wickets, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur took the onus upon herself and began with an onslaught, smashing a quickfire fifty. She remained unbeaten on 52 off 27 balls, hitting eight fours and a six, as India scored 172 for three in 20 overs.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka never got going in the run chase, as they kept losing wickets regularly. After India reduced them to 6 for three inside the Powerplay, including picking their captain and star batter Chamari Athapaththu on just one, Kavisha Dilhari and Anushka Sanjeewani added 37 for the fourth wicket, their best for the day.

However, it was about time before Asha Sobhana and Arundhati Reddy tore into their batting order to wrap up Sri Lanka's innings on 90.

Indian women's team's chances of qualifying for semis

India improved their NRR from -1.271 to +0.576, and they will look forward to maintaining their winning run against Australia.

In the case where India beats Australia, both these teams, including New Zealand (three wins in four games, given they beat both Sri Lanka and Pakistan), will be locked on six points each, with teams having better NRR qualifying for the final four.

Considering another situation where Australia beats India, Australia with eight points (four wins in four matches) and New Zealand with six points will qualify for the semis, with India getting knocked out of the tournament.

That, however, still wouldn't close all doors for India to qualify for the last four-finish (with just four points), given one situation where Pakistan and Sri Lanka beat New Zealand and Australia.

(With inputs from agencies)