Ellyse Perry ruled out of the Women's T20 World Cup after walking off the field teary-eyed

The defending champions, Australia, kept their dream alive to #FilltheG and avoid the ignominy of a first-ever group-stage exit from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, courtesy a tense five-run win over their Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.

Australia finished second in their group and will now face either England or South Africa in the second semi-final at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday, March o5. But, they will have to do it without their star all-rounder Ellyse Perry, whose ordeal with injuries reached its nadir in the virtual quarter-final clash against the White Ferns.

It all happened during the 11th over of the New Zealand’s run-chase when Sophie Devine steered Nicola Carey’s slower-one onto the off-side for a single. Ellyse Perry approached the ball and threw it in a jiffy but in the process, the champion all-rounder badly damaged her hamstring. Perry was then escorted by the physios as she left the ground with tears rolling down her eyes as the realization of being ruled out of the competition dawned upon her.

Meg Lanning reflects on Australia's tense win over New Zealand and what that victory might have cost her side #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/mtpSFcRM1P

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 2, 2020

Australia suffer a huge blow ahead of the semi-final

Ellyse Perry did not take any further part in the game and skipper Meg Lanning had revealed in the post-match conference that the all-rounder is in trouble, as far as her further participation in the tournament is concerned. And their fears have come true as she has been ruled out of the tournament due to a high-grade right hamstring injury.

“Ellyse sustained a high-grade right hamstring injury that is expected to keep her out of the game for a significant period of time. We are currently exploring management options and will continue to support Ellyse through her recovery,” Australia team doctor Pip Inge was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. Ellyse Perry will also miss the upcoming South Africa series to be played later this month.

The 29-year-old will remain with the squad for the rest of the World Cup even as Australia have decided not to make any changes to the team as of now. The hosts will fly to Sydney on Tuesday for the semi-finals set to be played on March 5.