ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Harmanpreet Kaur breaks silence on India’s loss to South Africa, says…

India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur said on Thursday that the top-order batters didn’t step up and perform well against South Africa, after her team lost by three wickets in their Women’s World Cup match.

India were in deep trouble at 102 for six, but Richa Ghosh, the hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter, played a brilliant knock of 94 runs off 77 balls, hitting 11 fours and 5 sixes, batting from the No. 8 position, and helped the team reach a total of 251 all out.

However, her efforts were outshined by Nadine de Klerk, who scored an unbeaten 84 off 54 balls (8 fours, 5 sixes), along with Laura Wolvaardt’s 70, leading to India’s first loss in the tournament.

What were Harmanpreet Kaur’s statements?

“We didn’t take the responsibility as a top-order. We have to change things. We have to get the good totals. It is a long tournament. It was a tough game, but (there are) lots of learnings. We need to keep ourselves in the positive frame (of mind),” Harmanpreet said after the match.

“(It was a) tough game. Both teams played really well. Even though we collapsed while batting but we still managed to put 250 on the board.

“In the end, Chloe and de Klerk batted, they showed it was a very good pitch and they deserved to win with the way they batted,” the Indian captain said.

What did Harmanpreet Kaur say about Richa Ghosh’s knock?

“Richa has been outstanding for us. Today we were very pleased too see Richa’s hitting. She can get the big totals. Hope she continues,” Harmanpreet said.

De Klerk, who won the Player of the Match award for her batting exploits, said there isn’t any greater achievement than beating India in their backyard.

“Look, I am lost for words. We have done lots of good things and to finish off the game, take the game deep and get over the line is great,” she said.

“I do like being under pressure. I love the World Cups. No bigger stage than playing at India at their home. We had to be at our best. Like I said, it is great to get over the line. We are capable of beating the best sides in the world.

“We just had to take it deep. We are a very good side in the backend. Even if we need 7 or 8 (runs per over), we will be able to do it. Chloe took the pressure off me, also Laura was great,” she added.

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