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On October 11, defending champions Australia registered a comfortable nine-wicket win with nine overs to spare against Pakistan in their third group stage game of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. While Australia were not challenged by Pakistan, two of their players – captain Alyssa Healy and pacer Tayla Vlaeminck – suffered injuries.
Vlaeminck who replaced Grace Harris in the side got injured in the first over of the match itself. On the fourth ball of the innings, Muneeba Ali edged one. Vlaeminck who was fielding at short third went chasing after the ball. As she got near the ball, she put in a slide but her knee got stuck in the ground. She managed to stop the boundary and save two runs for her team but straightaway clutched her right shoulder and needed medical attention. She dislocated her shoulder which was relocated after. She is unlikely to take part in the clash against India on October 13 and may get ruled out of the tournament as well.
Later, in the ninth over of the run chase, skipper Healy faced issues with her calf and looked in agonising pain after taking a couple of runs. She hobbled and received medical attention immediately. She had to leave the field as Australia needed just 14 runs from 10.5 overs to finish off the game. Ashleigh Gardner replaced him in the middle and Australia got over the line easily.
Australia almost confirm semifinal spot
Australia have one foot in the semifinal as they have registered three consecutive wins and their net run rate (NRR) is +2.786, way higher than India and New Zealand in Group A. Even if Australia lost their next game against India, they are likely to make it into the semifinal on the basis of NRR. Harmanpreet Kaur-led India will go up against Australia on October 13 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
India vs Australia head-to-head in T20 World Cup
The last time India beat Australia in T20 World Cup was in the 2020 edition. In Sydney, India beat Australia by 17 runs despite wicketkeeper-batter Healy's 51-run knock in the run chase. However, they went on to beat India in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) by 85 runs. The two teams have faced each other six times in the marquee event and India have managed to beat Australia twice.
