Harmanpreet Kaur Blames Smriti Mandhana’s Wicket for Narrow Loss vs England in World Cup
Harmanpreet Kaur calls Smriti Mandhana’s wicket the turning point after India’s four-run loss to England in the Women’s World Cup 2025, leaving their semi-final hopes in danger.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that the team’s batting collapse in the final overs cost them the game against England, calling Smriti Mandhana’s wicket the turning point of the match.
India fell just four runs short in a tense Women’s World Cup 2025 clash in Indore, a defeat that has now put their semi-final hopes in serious doubt.
Chasing 289, India were in control for most of the innings with Mandhana, Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma all scoring half-centuries. Mandhana looked fluent during her 88 off 94 balls, while Harmanpreet played a captain’s knock of 70.
Deepti added a composed 50 to keep the chase alive, but India’s lower order couldn’t finish the job.
From needing 23 runs off the final two overs, India ended on 284 for six, falling agonisingly short of England’s 288.
For Harmanpreet, the game slipped away the moment Mandhana got out.
“Smriti’s wicket was the turning point for us. We still had batters, but somehow things went the other way. Credit to England, they kept fighting and didn’t lose hope,” she said after the match.
The skipper admitted the defeat hurt deeply, especially after all the hard work put in during the buildup.
“It’s a bad feeling when you’ve worked so hard and the last few overs go against you. It’s heartbreaking,” Harmanpreet said.
Despite the disappointment, she insisted India were still playing good cricket and just needed to finish stronger.
“We are not giving up. We’ve played well in the last three matches, but we have to learn how to close games. Our bowlers did a good job, especially when Heather Knight was batting. The next game against New Zealand is very important,” she added.
