Following India’s close Women’s World Cup loss to Australia, captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed disappointment with her team’s batting performance in the crucial closing overs. A formidable 155-run opening stand between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal set a strong foundation, but India failed to convert this into a commanding total. The team managed to reach 198/1 after 30 overs, only to lose nine wickets for the next 138 runs, ultimately being dismissed for 330 in 48.5 overs. Kaur believes this lapse in the final overs cost them dearly. ‘We missed runs in the last six overs, and that cost us,’ she stated, emphasizing the missed chance to add another 30-40 runs. Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy then spearheaded their chase with an outstanding 142, guiding her team to victory with six balls to spare. Kaur also noted that the lower-order batters, instrumental in previous victories, couldn’t replicate their heroics against Australia. Despite recent struggles with a five-bowler strategy, Kaur remains supportive, citing past successes and vowing to regroup for upcoming matches.
