A problem for India? Australia can get huge support for the high-voltage Lord’s clash

India could face a tougher challenge in their final Women’s T20 World Cup group stage match at Lord’s, with Australia set to welcome back star batsman Phoebe Litchfield after a spell with a calf injury. The six-time champions have already won four in a row in the tournament and Litchfield’s return would further boost a side that has looked dominant throughout the competition.

Australia coach Shelley Nitschke confirmed Litchfield is progressing well and could be available for Sunday’s blockbuster clash against India. “Pheebs is tracking really well and hopefully he will be available for the India game,” Nitschke said, while admitting her return would cause a selection headache, with the left-hander expected to slot straight back into the No.3 position.

“And then, it’s going to be a really tough call — Pheebs is probably going to go back to the No. 3 position, so then we have to make some decisions about what the setup is going to look like and how to structure it. But obviously someone has gone out of their way for her,” she said.

HOW PHOEBE LITCHFIELD MADE INDIA WORK HARD

Litchfield’s return could be a big deal for India given their impressive record against them in international cricket. The left-hander has consistently enjoyed success against the Indian attack, especially in the ODI format. Produced by a magnificent century in the semi-final of the Women’s ODI World Cup in Australia against India and often troubles the side with his ability to score freely with both pace and spin.

The numbers underline its dominance. In eight T20Is against India, Litchfield scored 168 runs at an average of 33.60 and a strike of 144.82, with a top score of 49. Her ODI record is even more remarkable as she amassed 753 runs in 12 matches at an average of 62.75, including two hundreds and five fifties.

The 23-year-old started the Women’s T20 World Cup in fine form before a calf injury sidelined her. She smashed a 24-ball half-century against South Africa and set the tone for Australia’s emphatic 65-run victory.

However, Australia hardly felt her absence. The defending champions remained unbeaten and opened their campaign with a convincing win over South Africa before recording dominant victories over Bangladesh and the Netherlands. They then beat Pakistan by 113 runs all but secured their place in the semi-finals, cementing their status as one of the favorites to lift the trophy.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

25 Jun 2026 16:37 IST