India’s senior players, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma, delivered a strong performance in their ICC Women’s World Cup clash against England on October 19. Despite their combined efforts totaling 208 runs, India fell agonizingly short by just four runs in a thrilling chase.
Strong Start, But India’s Chase Falters
Chasing a target of 289 runs on a favorable batting pitch, India started strongly, reaching 167/2 in 30.1 overs. Harmanpreet Kaur, who made 70 off 70 balls, was dismissed by Nat Sciver-Brunt, but Smriti Mandhana was well set at the crease. The left-handed opener, who scored 88 off 94 balls, continued to anchor the innings, stitching a 67-run stand for the fourth wicket with Deepti Sharma.
However, Mandhana’s dismissal in the 42nd over to left-arm spinner Linsey Smith proved to be a pivotal moment. Her wicket allowed England to claw their way back into the game. India still needed 52 runs off the final seven overs, but the pressure increased as Deepti, who was scoring at nearly a run a ball, fell to Sophie Ecclestone in the 47th over. The equation was reduced to 27 runs from 18 balls, but without their top-order batters, India struggled to get over the line.
Harmanpreet Reflects on Close Defeat
Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her disappointment after the narrow defeat. “Smriti’s wicket was a turning point for us. We had the game under control when Smriti and I were batting,” she said. “But things changed after that, and we couldn’t finish the chase. Credit to England, they kept bowling well and took crucial wickets.”
The Indian captain highlighted the team’s recent run of narrow losses, emphasizing how close they had come to winning but were unable to cross the finish line. “The feeling is bad because you put in so much effort and come close, but the last few overs didn’t go as planned,” she added. “We are playing good cricket, but we need to get over that final hurdle, especially after these three close defeats.”
With three consecutive losses, India now faces a must-win situation in their next two games against New Zealand and Bangladesh to stay in contention for a semifinal spot. Harmanpreet remains confident that India has the resources to bounce back. “Even though we lost, we played good cricket. We have players like Richa Ghosh, Amanjot Kaur, and Deepti, who have the ability to win games for us.”
India’s journey in the World Cup continues, and the team will be looking to regroup and secure the crucial points in their next matches.
