India Women play their first T20 international at Lord’s on June 28, and a World Cup semi-final spot hangs on the result against Australia — the world’s top-ranked side.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad comes into this match on six points in Group 1, level with South Africa. Australia lead with eight points from four games and are already through. Whether India or South Africa make the final four depends on today’s result at Lord’s, with Bangladesh versus South Africa running on the same day earlier at the same ground.

India’s Route to the Semis

India must beat Australia to guarantee a semi-final place regardless of what South Africa do. A loss may still be enough for India if Bangladesh upsets South Africa, but Harmanpreet Kaur’s team can’t afford to bank on that. The situation is simple: win and you’re through.

India beat Australia earlier this year in a T20I series on Australian soil and knocked them out of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup semi-finals. The mental edge, however small, has shifted. This Indian side knows it can beat the best in the world.

Australia’s Dominance in T20 World Cups

The head-to-head record is lopsided. Australia have won 27 of their 37 T20I meetings with India. At T20 World Cups specifically, Australia lead 5–1. They won the 2020 final against India and beat them in the 2023 semi-final.

But records don’t bat or bowl. Australia’s bowling lineup is as formidable as ever. If Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma can give India a fast start, the balance could shift in the first six overs.

Match Details and Broadcast Information

The toss happens at 2:30 PM local time (7:00 PM IST) at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. In India, Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar will carry the broadcast. In the UK, it airs on Sky Sports Cricket and TNT Sports. In Australia, Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports have rights.

India have never won the Women’s T20 World Cup. A semi-final place is the first step toward changing that.