India’s hopes of making it to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals came to an end in a dramatic fashion.

For the first time in eight years, the team failed to progress past the group stage. The final blow came when New Zealand secured a dominant 54-run victory over Pakistan in their last group-stage match on October 14, booking their place in the semifinals alongside Australia and eliminating both India and Pakistan from the tournament. It was a crushing end to India’s campaign, as they had been widely regarded as one of the favorites.

India’s exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

India’s fate was out of their hands following a heart-wrenching nine-run loss to Australia in their final group-stage fixture. Chasing a target of 152, India faltered early with key players Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues dismissed for low scores. Despite a valiant effort from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who remained unbeaten on 54, and Deepti Sharma’s 29 off 25 balls, India were unable to capitalize in the closing overs.

In a critical final over, India required 14 runs off Annabel Sutherland’s bowling, but Harmanpreet’s cautious approach – taking two singles off the first two balls – ultimately left the team short of the target.

The loss to Australia placed India’s semifinal hopes on a knife-edge, with their qualification dependent on the outcome of the New Zealand-Pakistan clash. Unfortunately for India, New Zealand’s bowlers dismantled Pakistan’s chase with a clinical performance, eliminating India from the tournament.

Also READ: Twitter Reactions: India misses out on a semifinal spot as New Zealand knocks out Pakistan in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Stinging criticism from Punam Raut

Amid the aftermath of India’s exit, veteran cricketer Punam Raut made waves with a pointed tweet seemingly aimed at the senior players, including captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Raut, without directly naming anyone, wrote on X,

In a scathing post, Raut wrote, “Having 100 matches experience = 0 experience… if it can’t be applied in big games,”

Having 100 matches experience = 0 experience..
if it’s can’t be applied in big games.

— Punam Raut (@raut_punam) October 14, 2024

Though she didn’t name anyone specifically, Raut’s pointed remark was widely interpreted as a critique of the most seasoned players in the team – Harmanpreet, Mandhana, Jemimah and Deepti – all of whom have played over 100 T20Is. Her tweet suggested frustration with the inability of the senior core to step up in critical moments, particularly in the high-pressure situation against Australia.

Raut, herself a player with significant experience, having represented India in four Tests, 73 ODIs, and 35 T20Is, expressed what many fans may have been feeling – that despite their experience, India’s senior players failed to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. Her tweet has sparked conversation and debate about the leadership and composure of India’s most reliable players, raising questions about their ability to handle pressure in knockout situations.

Also READ: IND-W vs AUS-W: Here’s why Phoebe Litchfield wasn’t given out despite being judged LBW in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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