Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Australia booked their place in the T20 World Cup semi finals with a six wicket victory over India at Lord's on Sunday, chasing down 171 to record the highest successful run chase in the tournament's history. Ellyse Perry led the way with a brilliant half century as Australia completed their fifth straight win of the competition and eliminated one of their biggest rivals.
The result sends Australia into a semi final against the West Indies at The Oval on Tuesday, while South Africa progressed from Group One after India's defeat.
Perry inspires another famous Australian win
Veteran all rounder Ellyse Perry once again proved the difference for Australia with a composed 56 from 38 balls.
The 35 year old shared a match defining 100 run partnership with Ash Gardner from just 59 deliveries after Australia had lost early wickets in the chase.
Perry struck eight boundaries during her innings before Gardner remained unbeaten on 53, hitting three sixes and three fours to guide Australia to 4 for 172 with one over remaining.
Georgia Wareham sealed the victory by striking the winning boundary as Australia completed the biggest successful chase in Women's T20 World Cup history.
It was Perry's second consecutive half century after also scoring 50 against Pakistan, further strengthening her remarkable record in international tournaments.
Molineux praises Perry's leadership
Australia captain Sophie Molineux revealed Perry played a crucial role in lifting the team after India posted a challenging total.
After Australia's fielding slipped late in the innings, Perry gathered the players together with a confident message before the chase began.
"Pez brought them in, and said 170 is very, very gettable," Molineux said.
"And her actions spoke louder than words as she just led from the front, her and Ash. It was great."
The victory also carried extra significance for Australia after India eliminated them in the ODI World Cup semi finals last year.
India finish strongly but fall short
India posted 4 for 170 after captain Harmanpreet Kaur produced a destructive innings of 56 from just 27 balls.
She accelerated late in the innings, including three consecutive sixes in the final over against Molineux.
Australia's fielding faltered in the closing stages as Nicola Carey, Georgia Wareham and Phoebe Litchfield each dropped boundary catches.
India capitalised by scoring 38 runs from the final two overs to set Australia a formidable target.
Despite the late surge, Australia's experienced batting lineup successfully controlled the chase.
Beth Mooney contributed 22, while Phoebe Litchfield added 24 before Perry and Gardner took command.
Semi final lineup confirmed
Australia's victory also secured South Africa's place in the knockout stage.
Earlier in the day, South Africa defeated Bangladesh by four wickets but needed Australia to beat India to advance from Group One.
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt admitted she found herself cheering for Australia's success.
"I never thought I'd be supporting the Aussies but go Aussies!" Wolvaardt said.
Australia will now face the West Indies in Tuesday's semi final at The Oval, while unbeaten hosts England take on South Africa in the other semi final on Thursday.
Having defeated the West Indies in a warm up match before the tournament, Australia will enter the contest full of confidence as they pursue another appearance in the T20 World Cup final.
