Late on Sunday night in Sharjah, after India’s defeat against Australia, head coach Amol Muzumdar was asked if he had any message for his team ahead of their final Group A match. He paused, chuckled, and said, “Well, I just want to wish Pakistan all the best. We’ll be watching the game very closely.” Unfortunately, that was the moment India’s hopes of advancing slipped away.
On Monday, India’s last chance vanished as Pakistan failed to create a breakthrough. Pakistan managed to restrict New Zealand to 110/6, but their fielding mistakes allowed the Kiwis to post a total that was higher than it should have been. Despite having the opportunity to chase a manageable target, Pakistan’s collapse to just 56 runs set a record for the lowest score in this format. The result was a blow to their own semifinal aspirations—and indirectly, to India’s as well. But, in all fairness, India didn’t help themselves either.
India’s Struggles and Missed Opportunities
India’s campaign, which had so much promise, came to a crushing end under the lights in Dubai with a loss to New Zealand. One key reason for this downfall was India’s under-preparedness in the lead-up to the tournament. While other top teams had been playing competitive cricket for months, India only had training camps. The Indian think-tank claimed they weren’t fully prepared for the UAE conditions, leading to a disappointing opening match against New Zealand, where they conceded 160 runs at a venue not known for easy run-scoring. A batting collapse soon after sealed their fate.
Head coach Amol Muzumdar reflected on India’s preparations: “We had everything going in that camp in Bangalore. There were two camps, one focused on fitness and fielding, and the other on skills. We had eight weeks to prepare. I couldn’t have asked for more from the support staff and players. We came into this World Cup upbeat, but it’s disappointing to lose two games in the league stages.”
Fielding and Selection Blunders
While India’s fielding, despite a few errors, remained solid in catching efficiency, it became a convenient scapegoat for the team’s overall struggles. But fielding mistakes were just one part of the bigger picture. The selection process, especially in key positions, raised questions. The No. 3 slot saw six different players take turns at bat, a record only Pakistan could match since December 2024. Despite pre-tournament statements that Harmanpreet Kaur would take charge of that position, the team never settled into a consistent approach. Furthermore, India’s desire to have a sixth bowling option weakened their batting depth, and opting for three pacers in conditions favoring spin only added to the confusion. By contrast, teams like England have thrived by relying on a four-pronged spin attack.
Batting Inconsistencies
India’s batting lineup also lacked the consistency needed for a deep tournament run. Much was expected of Smriti Mandhana, who had been in excellent form earlier in the year, but apart from her performance against Sri Lanka, she struggled throughout the competition. Harmanpreet was the only batter who consistently delivered. Outside of her, no other player stepped up to make an impact.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Struggles in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
India’s journey in recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cups has been a rollercoaster. Semifinalists in 2018, finalists in 2020, and semifinalists again in 2023—each time coming close but falling short. In 2024, expectations were high, with hopes that the country’s investments in women’s cricket would finally pay off. But despite these improvements, India took a step back and failed to make it out of the group stage.
Their group was undoubtedly challenging, but India’s poor start was the deciding factor. This marks the first time since the 2016 home edition that India will not feature in the semifinals, and the disappointment is palpable. For a team that has been at the business end of the tournament multiple times, their early exit is a setback.
Final Thoughts
India’s journey in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was a story of missed opportunities and a failure to capitalize on potential. The team may have had all the right ingredients, but the lack of consistency in batting, fielding, and selection decisions ultimately cost them. While the future of women’s cricket in India looks promising, this World Cup was a step backward in their quest for the title.
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