Women's T20 WC: Perry's 56 powers Australia's record chase to eliminate India at Lord's
Synopsis
Australia rewrote the Women's T20 World Cup record books at Lord's — not just by chasing down 171, but by doing it with six wickets to spare. Ellyse Perry called the shot at half-time, told her teammates it was gettable, then walked out and proved it. India's campaign is over; Australia are through, and the record books have a new entry.
Key Takeaways
Australia completed the highest successful run chase in Women's T20 World Cup history, overhauling 171 at Lord's on 28 June .
Ellyse Perry top-scored with 56 off 38 balls ; Ashleigh Gardner remained unbeaten on 53 .
Australia won by 6 wickets with an over to spare, eliminating India from the tournament.
Harmanpreet Kaur scored 56 for India, who posted 170/4 — ultimately not enough.
Australia finished the group stage on 10 points , qualifying for the semifinals alongside South Africa .
Ellyse Perry's composed 56 off 38 balls anchored the highest successful run chase in Women's T20 World Cup history as Australia overhauled India's 170/4 with six wickets in hand and an over to spare at Lord's on Sunday, 28 June. The victory eliminated India from the tournament and confirmed Australia's place in the semifinals.
The Record Chase
Set 171 to win in a must-win Group stage clash, Australia absorbed an early setback before Perry and Ashleigh Gardner — unbeaten on 53 — forged the decisive partnership that dismantled India's defence. The pair targeted the shorter boundary at Lord's, ran crisply between the wickets, and never allowed India's bowlers to build sustained pressure. It was the highest successful chase in the tournament's history, underscoring Australia's batting depth and composure under pressure.
What Molineux Said
Australia captain Sophie Molineux credited Perry's pre-innings confidence for setting the tone in the dressing room. 'Pez (Perry) brought us in after the first innings. She said 170 is very, very gettable. Her actions speak louder than words. She went out there, led from the front alongside Ash, and set the tone with the bat. It was great to watch,' Molineux said after the match.
Molineux highlighted the technical precision with which the two veterans executed the target. 'They both batted beautifully. They made the most of the conditions, used their experience and skills really well, targeted the shorter boundary when the opportunities came, and ran brilliantly between the wickets. They just got all the little things right, and that allowed them to build a really important partnership,' she added.
How Australia's Bowlers Managed India
India reached 66 without loss at the end of the Power-play, with Harmanpreet Kaur's late assault of 56 helping them post a competitive total. Yet Molineux maintained that her bowling unit adapted smartly to Lord's unique dimensions. 'There was plenty of discussion about the boundary sizes here at Lord's. The shorter boundary down the slope, especially against the wind, was something we were very aware of. But I thought our bowlers did a really good job,' she said, singling out Lucy for her opening spell. Australia's key period of control came between overs six and eleven, when they pulled back momentum after India's aggressive start.
India's Campaign Ends
India's exit marks a painful conclusion to a campaign that showed flashes of promise. Harmanpreet's blistering half-century kept India in contention, but the total ultimately proved insufficient against a Perry-Gardner axis at its fluent best. Notably, this is not the first time Australia have denied India a semifinal berth at a major ICC event — a pattern that continues to define the rivalry.
Group Stage Standings and What's Next
Australia finished the group stage on 10 points, qualifying for the semifinals alongside South Africa. The semifinal fixtures are expected to be confirmed by the tournament organisers in the coming days. For India, the focus will now shift to a review of their bowling and batting middle-order ahead of future bilateral series.
Point of View
Very gettable' was not bravado — it was a read of conditions backed by the execution to follow. India's Power-play dominance (66 without loss) flattered a total that Perry and Gardner systematically dismantled. The broader concern for Indian women's cricket is a recurring one: competitive first innings, but insufficient bowling variety and a fragile middle order when chasing or defending under pressure at marquee venues.
NationPress
29 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Australia set in the Women's T20 World Cup at Lord's?
Australia completed the highest successful run chase in Women's T20 World Cup history, overhauling India's total of 171 with six wickets in hand and an over to spare at Lord's on 28 June. The victory also sealed Australia's place in the tournament's semifinals.
How did Ellyse Perry perform against India at Lord's?
Ellyse Perry scored a fluent 56 off 38 balls, leading Australia's chase from the front alongside Ashleigh Gardner, who remained unbeaten on 53. Perry had also assured her teammates during the innings break that India's total of 170 was well within reach.
Why was India eliminated from the Women's T20 World Cup?
India were eliminated after losing to Australia in the Group stage at Lord's on 28 June. Despite Harmanpreet Kaur's 56 and a competitive total of 170/4, Australia overhauled the target with six wickets and an over to spare, ending India's semifinal hopes.
Who qualified for the Women's T20 World Cup semifinals from Australia's group?
Australia and South Africa qualified for the semifinals from their group. Australia finished with 10 points after the group stage, confirming their berth with the record-breaking win over India at Lord's.
What did Sophie Molineux say about Australia's bowling performance against India?
Molineux said her bowlers used their 'cricket smarts' well despite India's strong Power-play start of 66 without loss. She credited the period between overs six and eleven as the phase where Australia reasserted control, and singled out Lucy for her opening spell.
