India vs Australia scenarios: Semi-final qualification chances explained, team news, predicted XIs & more

India’s campaign in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup has reached a decisive stage as Harmanpreet Kaur’s side prepares to face Australia in their final Group 1 match at Lord’s on Sunday, June 28. With semi-final qualification still hanging in the balance, this clash could shape the entire knockout picture of the tournament.

Australia, meanwhile, have been the standout team of the group stage. They have won all four of their matches and sit comfortably at the top of the table with 8 points and an outstanding net run rate of +4.724. Their semi-final spot is almost confirmed even if they lose against India.

More from Firstcricket

Interestingly, both India and South Africa could surpass Australia in the standings and qualify if things don't go according to plan in the final two group matches.

Group A points table

How India can qualify for the semi-finals

If India beat Australia: A win would almost guarantee India’s place in the semi-finals. If Bangladesh also beat South Africa, India and Australia will qualify directly. If South Africa win, then India, Australia and South Africa will all finish on 8 points and the second semi-final spot will be decided by net run rate.

If India lose to Australia: India will then depend on Bangladesh defeating South Africa. If that happens, NRR could come into play between India and South Africa for the second semi-final spot, while Australia will take the top spot. However, if South Africa win their match, India will be eliminated.

If the match is washed out: A no result would severely hurt India’s chances. In that case, India would need Bangladesh to beat South Africa. If South Africa win, India will be knocked out as they would fall behind both Australia and South Africa.

India Women vs Australia Women: Head-to-head record

India and Australia have played 34 matches in Women’s T20 internationals. India Women have won just 10 of those games, while Australia Women have won 23, showing how dominant they have been over the years. Meanwhile, one game ended in a no result.

IND-W vs AUS-W: Team news

Australia: The six-time champions may see the return of Phoebe Litchfield, who reportedly resumed training after injury. Sophie Molineux hinted at the pre-match presser that she could return to the XI. Meanwhile, Australia have remained dominant and look settled throughout the group stage despite rotating a few players due to injury concerns.

India: India’s top order, especially Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, has been in good form. However, the middle order has struggled, with Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues yet to make a major impact in this tournament. India have used all 16 squad members but still appear uncertain about their best combination. Richa Ghosh will also need to contribute in the middle order, while the bowling attack also remains a major selection headache.

IND-W vs AUS-W: Predicted playing XIs

India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Kranti Gaud

Australia Women: Beth Mooney (wk), Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux (c), Alana King, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton

When ahd where to watch the India vs Australia match?

The India Women vs Australia Women match is scheduled to be held at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London on June 28, 2026. The match will begin at 7:00 PM IST and the toss will take place 30 minutes before the start.

How to watch the live telecast and streaming of India vs Australia match?

The India vs Australia Group 1 match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and streamed online on the JioHotstar app and website.