Teenagers Shafali Verma and Amelia Kerr star for their respective sides as India and New Zealand play out a thriller in Melbourne
Match Report:
ScorecardUnbeaten India secure Cup semi-final berth
India have become the first team to secure their spot in the T20 World Cup semi-finals after a nail-biting four-run victory over New Zealand in Melbourne.
After the Kiwis won the toss and chose to bowl first, it was teen prodigy Shafali Verma who got India off to a dominant start, the 16-year-old surviving a couple of dropped chances to make 46 (34), which proved the backbone of her team's total of 8-133.
In reply, none of New Zealand's star top-order trio reached 15, and the match looked set to peter out into a predictable affair until a stunning late cameo from from Amelia Kerr (34no off 19) ensured the contest remained alive until the final over.
If Australia can beat Bangladesh in tonight's other Group A match, the trans-Tasman rivals will be set for a sudden-death showdown in Melbourne on March 2.
2020 ICC Women's T20 World Cup
Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Erin Burns, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy (wk), Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Molly Strano, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham
February 21:India won by 17 runs
February 24: Australia won by five wickets
February 27: Australia v Bangladesh, Manuka Oval
March 2: Australia v New Zealand, Junction Oval
March 5: Semi-final 1 & Semi-final 2, SCG
March 8: Final, MCG
For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE
* All matches will be broadcast on Fox Cricket and Kayo, while Australia’s matches will also be broadcast on the Nine Network