 "Harmanpreet Kaur after losing the match against Australia last Sunday. Image: AFP")
India’s hopes of reaching the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinals suffered a massive blow on Sunday, October 19, as they fell just short against England in a nail-biting encounter. Batting first, England posted 288/8, with Heather Knight scoring a brilliant 109 off 91 balls. Despite valiant efforts from India’s top order, India finished at 284/6, losing by just four runs in a heartbreaker.
This was India’s third consecutive loss in the tournament after going down against South Africa and Australia. Fans were quick to react on social media, drawing comparisons with India’s 2017 World Cup heartbreak at Lord’s against England, when the team also fell agonisingly short. One fan even called the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side the biggest chokers in women’s cricket.
Harmanpreet calls it a ‘heartbreaking moment’
“Smriti’s wicket was the turning point for us. It’s a heartbreaking moment,” Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation.
It was all under control while Mandhana and Harmanpreet were in the middle, but neither could anchor the chase.
Earlier Heather Knight’s 109 anchored England’s total of 288/8 before India finished agonisingly short at 284/6.
Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith triggered the collapse, removing the elegant left-hander against the run of play.
Deepti Sharma’s composed fifty had kept India’s hopes alive after Mandhana’s departure, but Sophie Ecclestone’s dismissal of the all-rounder in the closing overs sealed the contest.
“It’s a bad feeling when you have put so much hard work in but the last 5-6 overs didn’t go according to the plan,” added Harmanpreet.
“We still had batters, but I don’t know how things went the other way. Credit to England. They didn’t lose hope, they kept bowling and getting wickets.” The defeat, India’s third in a row following losses to South Africa and Australia, has left the co-hosts and pre-tournament favourites on the brink of elimination.
In all three games, India found themselves in winning positions but failed to close out. Against Australia, they couldn’t defend 330, while South Africa chased down 251 despite being seven wickets down.
“We are playing good cricket, we are not giving up, but have to cross the line. It’s been the last three games where we showed up with good cricket, but ended up on losing side,” Harmanpreet said.
“Our bowlers did a really good job, because when Heather was batting they were looking very good. (We) did a lot right, but last five overs, we have to rethink.”
India now face New Zealand in a must-win clash in Navi Mumbai on Thursday followed by their final group match against Bangladesh on October 26, needing victories in both and favourable results elsewhere to stay alive.
“Next game is very important,” the India captain added.
(With agency inputs)