Harmanpreet says Australia didn't concede 'easy runs', explains where India went wrong in failed chase in Sharjah

India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur hailed Australia for their ability to adapt according to conditions and situation after the defending champions pulled off a thrilling nine-run victory in Sharjah on Sunday to storm into the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals.

Harmanpreet, who scored a second consecutive half-century during India’s chase of the 152-run target that ultimately went in vain, added that fielding proved to be the difference between the two sides and that the Australians, who were without talismanic wicketkeeper-captain Alyssa Healy, did not give away any easy runs.

“They have a batter who can take the target of power play. They don’t have anything fixed. According to pitch, according to situation they can make a plan and play. I think we also planned really well. It’s not like we were here and there. We were there in the game for the last 20 years. I think the difference between them is that they didn’t give us easy runs. I think they have definitely the experience.

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“They have played so many World Cups together. I think that is something that always shows them that they are a great side,” Harmanpreet said during the post-match presentation ceremony after India ended the group stage with two wins and as many defeats with their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread.

A thrilling finish to the #INDvAUS contest ensures that three Group A sides remain in contention for a Women's #T20WorldCup semi-final spot.

Standings ➡ https://t.co/zNiSIgIa3z#WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/1B04jonIqi

— ICC (@ICC) October 13, 2024

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Harmanpreet had stitched a 63-run partnership for the fourth wicket with all-rounder Deepti Sharma, which played a key role in helping India take the game deep and kept their hopes of collecting a third win on the trot alive till the end.

The India skipper, however, felt they were not able to capitalise on a few loose balls, which ultimately allowed the six-time T20I world champions to mount a fightback and ultimately collect a victory.

Explained | Can India still qualify for T20 World Cup semi-finals after defeat against Australia?

“The conditions, I think we did really well. We knew this was a difficult tournament. The only thing is, when Deepti and I were batting, that time we were not able to utilise a few loose balls. We could have controlled the boundaries. I think we were still in the game. But then again, as we know their experience, they know how to win games like that. We have to learn from them,” Harmanpreet added.

With two wins in as many outings, India will now need Pakistan to defeat New Zealand in the final Group A fixture on Monday for them to progress to the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive time in the Women’s T20 World Cup.