Perry-Gardner's gem knocks India out of Women's T20 World Cup as Australia record 5th straight win

India's wait for a maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup title continued after they suffered a heartbreaking six-wicket defeat against Australia in their final Super Six clash of the 2026 tournament. The six-time champions once again showcased why they remain the benchmark in women's cricket, with Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner producing match-winning half-centuries to seal Australia's fifth consecutive victory of the competition.

The result not only confirmed Australia's place in the knockout stage but also ended India's hopes of lifting their first-ever Women's T20 World Cup trophy.

Also Read: Watch: Kohli, Shastri in attendance at Lord's for India’s crucial Women's T20 World Cup clash vs Australia

Perry and Gardner steer Australia to commanding chase

After winning the toss, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur elected to bat first. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided an excellent start, adding 66 runs for the opening wicket before Verma departed on the first ball of the 10th over.

India continued to build on the platform with valuable contributions throughout the innings. Mandhana scored 38 off 37 balls, Verma made 34 off 26, while Jemimah Rodrigues added 34 off 28 deliveries. Captain Harmanpreet led from the front with an attacking 56 off just 27 balls, helping India post a competitive total of 170 runs.

Australia skipper Sophie Molineux was the only bowler to claim multiple wickets, finishing with figures of 2 wickets in her four-over spell.

Australia's chase began on a shaky note as Georgia Voll was dismissed in the opening over with just four runs on the board. However, Beth Mooney (22 off 20) and Phoebe Litchfield (24 off 25) steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership.

The turning point came when Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner joined forces. Perry struck a fluent 56 off 38 deliveries before Gardner remained unbeaten on 53 off just 29 balls. Their unbeaten 100-run partnership guided Australia to a comfortable six-wicket victory.

For her match-winning knock, Perry was named the Player of the Match.

India's title wait continues as Australia march on

The defeat extended India's long wait for their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title, with another promising campaign ending before the knockout stages.

Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup: SA survive Bangladesh scare with nervy win to stay afloat in semifinal race

Meanwhile, Australia continued their remarkable dominance in the tournament. Having already lifted the Women's T20 World Cup trophy in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023, the six-time champions are now just a few victories away from securing a record-extending seventh title.