'Smriti Mandhana's wicket was turning point': Harmanpreet Kaur after heartbreaking loss to England

Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana were heartbroken after the loss against England. (Photo: X)

Speaking after the loss against England in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 fixture, India women captain Harmanpreet Kaur was heartbroken. She also labelled Smriti Mandhana's wicket as the point where India opened the door for England to get back in the game. Kaur (70) was dismissed in the 31st over whereas Mandhana (88) got out in the 42nd over after attempting a big shot.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma as well could finish the chase for India as departed after a fifty in the 47th over when India needed someone experienced to guide them over the line.

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“I think Smriti's wicket was something which was a turning point for us, and I still think we had too many batters. I don't know how things went the other way, but credit goes to England. They didn't lose. They kept bowling well and kept getting wickets there,” said Harmanpreet.

“The feeling is bad because you have put in so much hard work and you kept ticking the box till the end, but the last 5-6 overs didn't go according to your plan. That's the worst, but it's definitely a very heartbreaking moment. We are playing good cricket, we are not giving up. But that last line we have to cross now because it's been the last three games where we showed up with good cricket,” she added.

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In the first innings, Heather Knight who was playing her 300th international match smashed a century helping England post 288 runs on the board. It was India's third loss in a row in the tournament. Before this, they lost to South Africa and Australia. Talking about the selection which caught the attention of everybody as India opted for an extra bowler in place of Jemimah Rodrigues, Kaur explained the move.

“These things will keep going because I think things were under control when Smriti and I were batting. And I think Smriti's wicket was turning for us. But still, we had Richa, Amanjot and Deepti, who have won games for us in the past,” said Harmanpreet.

“But unfortunately, today we were not able to make it. It was a very important match for all of us. We wanted to show good cricket as a group. And unfortunately, in the end, we were not able to make it. Even though we ended up losing, we really played good cricket, and we haven't given anyone anything easily. But now the next game is very important, and hopefully it will go our way,” she added.