India's undefeated run in the group stage of the U19 Women's T20 World Cup came to an end with a seven-wicket defeat to Australia in their first Super Sixes match at the North-West University Oval.
Australia captain Rhys McKenna won the toss and chose to bowl first, and her team's performance with the ball was a key factor in their victory. India were dismissed for just 87 runs, with opener Shweta Sehrawat being the top scorer with 21 off 29 balls. However, she lost her partners all too often, as pacer Milly Illingworth struck twice in the early stages to take out India's captain Shafali Verma and Gongadi Trisha. Maggie Clarke also came on and did a similar trick, getting rid of Sonia Mendhiya (2) and Richa Ghosh (7) in quick succession.
In the chase, Australia's batters all found the fence at least once and Sianna Ginger (11) and Kate Pelle (17) added a quick 28 for the opening stand. Though the opening duo and Ella Hayward (7) fell before the end, Claire Moore (25 not out) and Amy Smith (26 not out) had enough freedom to finish with a flourish. Both batters hit sixes with victory in sight, as Australia reached home with 37 balls to spare.
The win draws Australia level with India and gives them a real chance of claiming a place in the final four following a big victory over UAE on Monday. India, meanwhile, have to win against Sri Lanka in their second Super Sixes match on Sunday afternoon, to keep themselves in the hunt for a place in the semi-finals of the inaugural edition of ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup.
Brief Scores: India 87 all out in 18.5 overs (Shweta Sehrawat 21, Hrishita Basu 14; Sianna Ginger 3/13, Milly Illingworth 2/12) lost to Australia 88/3 in 13.5 overs (Amy Smith 26 not out, Claire Moore 25 not out; Archana Devi 1/7, Titas Sadhu 1/13) by seven wickets.