The Indian women’s cricket team narrowly fell short of their target of 152 runs against Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, suffering a heartbreaking 9-run loss. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and vice captain Smriti Mandhana were crestfallen after the match, winning, which was important for keeping their semi-final hopes alive.
The Women in Blue faced the six-time World Champions on October 13 in what was their final group fixture at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. In the post-match conference, Harmanpreet reflected on their efforts, emphasising how they aimed to make the most of the opportunities presented to them.
“Whatever was in our hands, we were trying to do that, but that’s something not in our control. If we get the opportunity to play another game, that will be great. But otherwise, whoever deserves to be there, that team will be there,” she said, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Meanwhile, Mandhana sat on the dressing room stairs, devastated. The 28-year-old batter was left speechless as she watched Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh get dismissed in quick succession during India’s chase. Similarly, fast bowler Renuka Singh covered her face in disbelief.
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For Harmanpreet, it felt like a sense of deja vu, as there have been a few instances in the past couple of years where she scored a 50 while chasing a target but received minimal support from her teammates.
Similar situations emerged during the ODI World Cup and the Commonwealth Games in 2022, as well as in last year’s Women’s T20 World Cup.
After crucial bowling spells from Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma, India restricted Australia to a total of 151 runs.
They showed their intent early in the chase, with opener Shafali Verma scoring a quick 20 runs off just 13 balls. But Smriti struggled to find her rhythm and couldn’t capitalise on the new ball. Following the loss of India’s third wicket, Harmanpreet and Deepti stabilised the innings.
Just when the pair seemed to be settling in, Sophie Molineux dismissed Deepti, leaving the Indian captain to carry the burden alone.
India couldn’t recover from this setback, as the Australian pacers tore through the inexperienced lower order. Harmanpreet scored a valiant knock of 54 runs off 47 balls, hitting six boundaries, but it wasn’t enough. Australia ultimately edged out India, winning by nine runs.
India’s hopes now rest on Monday’s (October 14) group-stage clash between Pakistan and New Zealand. The Fatima Sana-led Pakistan team must secure a victory over the former finalists to keep India’s semi-final hopes alive.
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