India captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed disappointment following the Women’s World Cup defeat to Australia, pinpointing the team’s sluggish batting in the final overs as the critical factor. Despite a strong opening partnership of 155 runs between Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75), India faltered in the latter stages of their innings. They reached 198/1 in 30 overs but ultimately lost nine wickets for 138 runs, being bowled out for 330 in 48.5 overs, a score Kaur felt was 30-40 runs short. “The way we started, we could have added 30-40 more runs. We missed runs in the last six overs, and that cost us,” Kaur stated after the match. Australia, led by Alyssa Healy’s spectacular 142 off 107 balls, successfully chased down the target, finishing at 331/7 in 49 overs. Kaur acknowledged the openers’ exceptional performance but lamented the middle and lower order’s inability to maintain the momentum. She also lauded young spinner N Shree Charani for her impactful bowling against the Australian batters, despite the team’s overall bowling strategy facing scrutiny after recent losses.
