Perry And Gardner's Fifties Ensure Aus Women Defeat Ind Women In Terrific Lords Chase

Lords: The marquee Group 1 blockbuster of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup concluded with absolute clinical precision at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground. Aus women defeat Ind women by 6 wickets. 

In this encounter, Australia Women proved exactly why they are the global benchmark in cricket, chasing down a steep target to defeat India Women by 6 wickets with 6 balls to spare. The victory cements Australia's flawless run at the top of the group table, while leaving India's semifinal qualification hanging by a thread.

Harmanpreet Leads India to a Fighting Total

Earlier in the afternoon, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bat first on a fresh Lord's pitch. The decision paid immediate dividends as openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma took the attack to the Australian powerplay. Verma’s explosive cameo of 34 off 26 balls, featuring an iconic, towering six over extra cover, gave India early momentum. 

Mandhana played a class-filled supporting role with 38 off 37 deliveries before a costly run-out broke the opening stand. Following the openers' departures, it was the Harmanpreet Kaur show. The Indian skipper played a masterful, counter-attacking innings, racing to a blistering half-century off just 26 balls. Kaur smashed an unbeaten 56 off 27 deliveries, clearing the boundary with 6 fours and 3 massive sixes. Partnered by a steady 34 from Jemimah Rodrigues, India plundered 58 runs from the final four death overs to finish at an imposing 170/4 in their 20 overs. 

Sophie Molineux was the pick of the Australian bowlers, picking up 2/46 amidst the Indian onslaught. 

Perry and Gardner Orchestrate a Masterclass Chase

Chasing 171, Australia's deep batting lineup remained unfazed by the scoreboard pressure. India struck early when pace bowler Renuka Singh Thakur dismissed opening prospect Georgia Voll for just 4 runs, giving the Women in Blue hope. However, seasoned veteran Beth Mooney (22) and Phoebe Litchfield (24) absorbed the early pressure, steadying the ship to bring Australia's powerplay to a healthy position.

The defining moment of the match came through an elite, unbroken partnership between Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner. Coming together after Litchfield's departure, the duo systematically dismantled the Indian bowling attack. Perry mixed elite running with crisp boundaries to hit a sublime 56 off 38 balls. At the other end, Gardner played the role of primary destroyer, blasting a rapid 53 off 29 balls*. 

The pair brought up their respective half-centuries in unison, treating the London crowd to a masterclass in modern chasing. Australia reached 172/4 in 18.4 overs, completing a flawless 6-wicket victory with more than an over to spare.