India’s campaign in the Women’s T20 World Cup came to an abrupt end in the group stage for the second tournament running, following a six-wicket defeat to Australia in what served as a virtual quarterfinal at Lord’s. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, however, expressed greater concern over a deeper, recurring issue that has plagued the team in major ICC competitions rather than the result alone.
In her post-match comments, Harmanpreet acknowledged that the side has struggled to deliver its strongest performance when facing elite opposition. “If I have to think about the entire tournament, we didn’t do well against good teams,” she said. “Against the best teams, your best should come out. I think we need to rethink about that.”
The skipper also drew attention to a familiar pattern in high-pressure situations. “Sometimes we’re in the game, but in the last few overs we concede too many runs. And when we’re chasing, we’re not able to score those runs. I think it’s been happening for quite a long time,” she noted.
Despite the loss, India posted a competitive total of 170 for 4. Harmanpreet led the batting charge with an aggressive 56 off just 27 balls, including three successive sixes in the closing stages. Openers Smriti Mandhana (38) and Shafali Verma (34) provided a solid foundation with a 66-run partnership for the first wicket, while Jemimah Rodrigues added 34 before being retired out in the final over.
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India made an encouraging start with the ball as well. Renuka Singh claimed Georgia Voll in the first over, and early wickets for Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield left Australia at 68 for 3. However, a match-defining 100-run stand between Ellyse Perry (56) and Ashleigh Gardner (53 not out) powered the defending champions to victory with an over to spare.
Harmanpreet reflected on the contest, noting that India had set a decent total and stayed competitive. “While I was batting, I felt we were a little short, but the last couple of overs helped us,” she explained. “They bowled according to their plans. We didn’t lose too many wickets, but at the same time we didn’t get what we were expecting. It was a good game, but unfortunately, we didn’t get over the line.”
The Indian team concluded the group stage in third place behind Australia and South Africa. Despite being regarded as one of the pre-tournament favorites, they exited without reaching the semifinal stage.
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