Harmanpreet Kaur Vs Australia Women: India Women suffered a heart-breaking 9-run defeat in their final group game against Australia Women, and with that, their chances of qualifying for the semis are all but over.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was on-song during the chase, but crucial spells in the death overs from Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland led her valiant knock of unbeaten 54 went in vain.
"I think their entire team contributed. They didn't depend on one or two players. They have all-rounders. They don't have anything fix. They can make plans according to the situations and pitch. It's not like we didn't had plans. We also had plans. They didn't give us easy runs. Definitely, they are an experienced side. They have played together for a number of World Cups and that helps," said Harmanpreet Kaur, during post-match presentation cermeony.
"That is something which is not in your control. You have to carry 13-14 players. Radha was ready to bowl. She was in the game. She was fielding well. She gave us breakthrough when we needed. You need characters like her in the team. We assessed the conditions really well. We knew we can chase it. When I and Deepti were batting, we couldn't capitalize on some loose balls," said the India Women skipper.
"They are an experienced side and we have to learn from them. Whatever was in our hand, we have done it. If we get the opportunity to play another game, that will be great. Or else whoever deserves to be there will be there," she added.
Tahila McGrath Leads Australia Women To Impressive Win In Absence Of Alyssa Healy
The vice-captain of Australia Women had a huge chip on her shoulders to lead the side against India Women, who were in a must-win situation. Tahila McGrath came out on top, as she played a captain's knock when Australia needed her the most and handed India a heart-breaking defeat.
"Yeah, we knew India would be really a tough opponent and we want to win every game, really proud of the group to come out with a win. As soon as Healy got injured, I knew that I have to lead the side now. Everyone have been great, they have backed me and really happy to get the win. I think the wicket was slowing down at the game progressed, it was stopping at the surface and the odds balls were keeping low, so we did really well to post a good total on the board and then defend it," said Tahila McGrath.
"We were constantly talking about what was the par total, whoever batted at the middle knew how many batters we had at the middle, they batted freely and really happy with the contributions from everyone. Well, in the fag end of the 2nd Innings, it was Perry who constantly had a chat with me and helped me a lot as we got over the line against a strong Indian side," she added.