Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur expressed deep regret over her team’s shocking lower-order collapse, which ultimately paved the way for world champions Australia to pull off a record-breaking chase of 331 runs, securing a dramatic three-wicket victory in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday.
With the scoreboard reading 294 for 4 and more than seven overs still to play, India appeared poised to breach the 350-run mark. However, a stunning turn of events saw them lose their final six wickets for a mere 36 runs in just seven overs, drastically curtailing their imposing total.
Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland was the architect of India’s downfall, tearing through their lower order to claim her maiden five-wicket haul, finishing with impressive figures of 5/40 from 9.5 overs.
During the post-match presentation, Harmanpreet acknowledged, “Given our strong start, we definitely should have added another 30-40 runs. The runs we failed to score in those crucial last six overs were undeniably what cost us the match.”
She further emphasized, “While it was an excellent wicket for batting, our inability to capitalize effectively in the final six overs proved to be our undoing.”
Earlier in the match, India’s innings began brilliantly, with openers Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) forging a superb 155-run partnership for the first wicket, laying a strong foundation for a high score.
Harmanpreet praised her opening pair, stating, “Our openers have been phenomenal; their consistent performances are why we’ve been able to post scores over 300 recently.”
“The critical last five overs were where we faltered,” Harmanpreet explained. “We’ve struggled to bat effectively in the middle overs in our last three games, but our lower order usually steps up.”
Reflecting on the overall performance, she added, “We played well for the first 40 overs today. It’s crucial now how we respond to this setback; these things are part of the game.”
India’s strategy of deploying five bowlers to bolster their batting lineup backfired once more, as their bowling unit struggled to make an impact, allowing the Australian batters to dominate.
Strategy Under Review: Five-Bowler Approach to be Discussed
Following two consecutive defeats – including failing to defend 251 against South Africa on Thursday – Harmanpreet indicated that the team would “sit down and have a thorough discussion” about their current playing strategy.
“We will definitely review things,” Harmanpreet affirmed. “This combination has brought us success in the past, and two unfavorable results won’t change our entire approach.” She herself had to step in as the sixth bowler, highlighting the team’s bowling depth issues.
In the bowling department, only Shree Charani truly stood out, taking 3 wickets for 41 runs, while her fellow bowlers proved expensive.
Harmanpreet praised Charani, saying, “She has been exceptional. Even today, she bowled brilliantly against their top batters. She made it incredibly difficult for Healy when she was at the crease. We have immense faith in her ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs.”
In pursuit of 331, which marked the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history, Australia’s Alyssa Healy spearheaded the charge with a magnificent 142 runs off just 107 balls, adorned with 21 fours and 3 sixes.
Adding to the drama, Ellyse Perry, who had previously retired hurt due to cramps, made a heroic return to guide her team to victory with an unbeaten 47 runs off 52 balls, including 5 fours and a six. Australia clinched the win with a full over to spare.
Receiving the Player of the Match award, Healy commented, “Chasing down 330 in a 50-over game is certainly new territory for us. We hope we don’t have to face such a daunting task again!”
She also gave credit to her team’s bowling unit for successfully reining in the Indian innings.
“Our bowlers deserve full credit for their comeback,” Healy stated, “otherwise, we might have been chasing a target well over 360.”
Healy also acknowledged India’s Charani for her impressive bowling performance.
“Charani bowled exceptionally well tonight,” Healy admitted. “We struggled to identify immediate threats from her, so we focused on limiting the damage and attacking the other bowlers.”
Regarding Perry’s cramps, Healy humorously remarked, “It seems the ‘cramp worm’ is making its way through our squad at the moment! Thankfully, we have a couple of days off here in Vizag, so we’re looking forward to resting, recovering, and enjoying the city.”
Looking ahead, Australia is scheduled to play Bangladesh at the same venue on Thursday. Meanwhile, India will journey to Indore for their next match against England on Sunday.