India’s journey in the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup came to a disappointing end when Australia defeated them by six wickets at Lord’s. This loss means that India continues to chase their first Women’s T20 World Cup title, despite putting up a strong fight throughout the tournament. Over the ten editions of this event, India has displayed moments of brilliance but has often found it tough to make it past the final hurdle. From making it to the semi-finals in the very first tournament to finishing as runners-up in 2020, and then facing back-to-back group-stage exits in 2024 and 2026, India’s path has been a mix of consistency and missed chances on the grand stage.
The Indian women’s cricket team has participated in every ICC Women’s T20 World Cup from 2009 to 2026. Their best performance came in 2020 when they reached the final for the first time, only to fall short against Australia. In total, India has made it to the knockout stage six times, which includes one final and five semi-final appearances, while unfortunately bowing out in the group stage in the other editions.
How India Performed in Every ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 (England) – Group Stage
India wrapped up the group stage in third place, celebrating victories against Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. Unfortunately, their journey came to an end with losses to South Africa and Australia. In a nail-biting finish, Australia chased down 171 runs with just one over to spare, leaving India with a six-wicket defeat. Harmanpreet Kaur stood out with a solid 56 runs, and N. Shree Charani shone as India’s top wicket-taker throughout the tournament.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (UAE) – Group Stage
India kicked off their campaign with a tough 58-run loss to New Zealand, but they bounced back with wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, a close nine-run defeat to Australia kept them from reaching the semi-finals, even though they managed to secure three victories.
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ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 (South Africa) – Semi-finals
India kicked off their campaign with impressive victories against Pakistan and West Indies, followed by a win over Ireland that secured their spot in the semi-finals. In a nail-biting match against Australia, Harmanpreet Kaur made a solid contribution with 52 runs, but a pivotal run-out turned the tide, leading to a heartbreaking loss by just five runs.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 (Australia) – Runners-up
India produced its best-ever campaign by reaching the final. Group-stage wins over Bangladesh, New Zealand and Sri Lanka secured qualification, while a washed-out semi-final against England sent India into the title clash. Australia won the final by 85 runs before more than 86,000 fans at the MCG.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2018 (West Indies) – Semi-finals
Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, India dominated the group stage with four consecutive wins, highlighted by a remarkable 48-run triumph over Australia. Harmanpreet’s stellar performance, scoring an unbeaten 103 against New Zealand, marked the first century for India in the Women’s T20 World Cup. Unfortunately, England put an end to India’s impressive journey in the semi-finals.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2016 (India) – Group Stage
India kicked off their home campaign with a solid win against Bangladesh, but things took a turn as they faced losses against Pakistan, England, and West Indies. Those setbacks dashed their dreams of moving forward, even with the advantage of playing on home turf.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2014 (Bangladesh) – Group Stage
India bounced back from their setbacks against Sri Lanka and England, securing wins against Bangladesh, West Indies, and Pakistan. Harmanpreet Kaur’s impressive 77 against Bangladesh was a highlight, but those earlier losses ultimately prevented India from reaching the knockout stage.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2012 (Sri Lanka) – Group Stage
India struggled throughout the tournament. Losses to Australia, England and Pakistan left the team with only one win, which came against hosts Sri Lanka. The campaign ended with another early exit.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2010 (West Indies) – Semi-finals
After an opening defeat to New Zealand, India bounced back with convincing wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka to qualify for the semi-finals. Australia’s seven-wicket victory ended India’s campaign before the final.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2009 (England) – Semi-finals
India impressed in the inaugural edition by reaching the semi-finals. Victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka secured qualification after an opening loss to England. New Zealand defeated India by 52 runs in the last four, but the tournament laid the foundation for future progress.
