India beat Australia to top Group ‘B’

India finished top of Group ‘B’ at the Women’s World Twenty20 after easing past Australia by 48 runs in their last group game in Guyana.

Both teams had already booked their places in the semi-finals.

Smriti Mandhana (83) and Harmanpreet Kaur (43) helped India post 167 for eight and Australia never looked likely to beat that as they were bowled out for 119.

Alyssa Healy was unable to bat for the Australians as she was concussed while fielding.

The incident happened when wicketkeeper Healy and bowler Megan Schutt collided while trying to catch Arundhati Reddy in the penultimate over of India’s innings, with Healy struck in the face by Schutt’s shoulder and diagnosed with a mild concussion which forced her to leave the field immediately.

Concussion protocols will determine whether Healy can return in time for their semi-final on Thursday.

While they have a competent deputy keeper in her opening partner Beth Mooney, it will be Healy’s batting at the top of the order - she averages 78.5 from the first three games - which would be a major loss.

India took control early in the match and never surrendered that advantage, although they were indebted to Mandhana and Kaur - who both hit three sixes - with no other player reaching double figures.

Mandhana had lit up England’s Super League during the summer but had failed to make a big score for her country in the T20 format since that golden spell in Western Storm colours.