India will be eliminated from the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup after New Zealand beat Pakistan by 54 runs

India subsequently dropped out of the Women’s T20 World Cup New Zealand recorded a comfortable 54-run victory Pakistan here on Monday to reach the semi-finals for the first time since the 2016 edition.

India’s only chance of reaching the semi-finals depended on a win by Pakistan, whose net run rate was worse compared to India. Pakistan were in the game after restricting New Zealand to a meager 110 in six of 20 overs.

However, Pakistan’s batting power declined sharply as they were bowled out for 56 in just 11.4 overs and the White Ferns moved into the semi-finals with three wins from four Group A matches.

Australia topped the group with eight points, while New Zealand were second with six points. The loss to New Zealand in the tournament opener effectively cost India a place in the last four.

Spinner Amelia Kerr took three wickets but it was seamers Lea Tahuhu (1/8) and Eden Carson (2/7) who opened the floodgates.

Pakistan should have reached the target in less than 12 overs to qualify, but they were eliminated even before then.

Earlier, Pakistan bowlers performed well and restricted New Zealand to a modest total.

While openers Suzie Bates (28) and Georgia Plimmer (17) added 41 runs for the opening stand and it just looked like the duo had laid a solid foundation, the Pakistan spinners suddenly imposed a stranglehold on the opposition.

The two spinners – off-break bowler Omaima Sohail (1/14 in 4 overs) and left-arm orthodox Nashra Sandhu (3/18 in 4 overs) – were brilliant in the middle overs with 21 dot balls and four wickets between them only 29 runs