Women's T20 World Cup 2024: 'We have to play our best cricket,' Harmanpreet says no room for mistakes after India's loss to New Zealand

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur was quite honest with her take after her team’s 58-run loss to New Zealand in their opening match of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai on Friday. India, looking to chase down 161, were all out for just 102 in 19 overs, with Harmanpreet’s 15 runs being the highest score.

“We didn’t play our best cricket today. Going forward we have to think what areas we have to improve. Every game now is important and we have to play our best cricket. We created chances, it’s not like that we didn’t create. They played better cricket than us, no doubt about that,” Harmanpreet said after the match.

As it happened |  India vs New Zealand, 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Group A

Harmanpreet reiterated the fact that there was no room for any mistake. “This is such a high stage where you can’t make these mistakes. We have chased 160-170 many times. But on that pitch .. it was 10-15 runs too many. At one stage, the way they started, I was thinking it would be 180,” added the 35 year-old.

Also read | Netizens react to India’s 58-run loss to New Zealand  

India, who find themselves in a tough position in Group A, next face Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. “We know this group is capable of better, this wasn’t the start we were expecting but we have to go from here,” she concluded.

‘Incredibly proud of this group’

Sophie Devine, the New Zealand captain, was overwhelmed by the performance she and her team put up against India.

“I’m just incredibly proud of this group. To put together such a comprehensive performance is something I’m proud of. We’ve been targetting this game for a long time now. We take inspiration from the Black Caps as well. If you look at our powerplay, we’ve been getting some terrific starts. That’s what we wanted today - to put the pressure on the bowlers,” she said.

Next up for New Zealand is a high-profile match against Australia on Tuesday. The two teams had recently locked horns in a three-match T20I series which the Aussies won 3-0. Devine said the White Ferns were geared up for the Australian challenge.

“We know them (Australia) too well. Always a great challenge, being able to play in these conditions levels the playing field a bit. We’ll take great confidence, they’re the games you want to play. Licking our lips to get stuck in,” she said.

‘Platform set by openers was important’

Sophie Devine was adjudged Player of the Match for her unbeaten 57 that took New Zealand to 160/4 after batting first. However, it was a 67-run stand for the first wicket between Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer that set the platform for a challenging total.

“The platform that was set by the opening batters was important. We spoke about capitalising on a good start and getting some momentum through overs 7-10 but that was probably where we were a bit slow today. We knew if we hung around we could get a strong finish and post a good total,” the Porirua-born cricketer said after she received the Player of the Match award.

Amelia Kerr (13 off 22 balls) and Brooke Halliday (16 off 12 balls) played vital cameos, something that Devine noted. Devine further spoke about her own knock.

“Some nice cameos in there from Kerr and Halliday. It was tough out there, the pace was off, had to muscle it and try and find the gaps. Was trying to find the tempo and the pace of the wicket. Was trying to stay out there because if I knew if I got 10-15 away I’d be able to go on. We’ve worked incredibly hard over the last 6 months, great to get the win today,” she concluded.