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A disappointed Harmanpreet Kaur leaves the field after India’s defeat in Sharjah. (AP Photo)
India suffered their second defeat of the T20 World Cup 2024 which has left their hopes of qualifying for the semifinals hanging by a thread.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur lavished praise on defending champions Australia for their ability to adapt to different situations. India suffered their second defeat of the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday which has left their hopes for a semifinal spot hanging by a thread.
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After opting to bat first, an injury-hit Australia posted a competitive total of 151/8 in 20 overs thanks to decent contributions from Grace Harris (40), stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath (32) and Ellyse Perry (32). In reply, India lost their openers early before the pair of Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma repaired the early damage.
“They don’t have anything fixed. They can make a plan and play according to a pitch and situation. They aren’t dependent on one or two players, have plenty of allrounders and the entire team contributes,” Harmanpreet explained the difference between the two teams.
India finished at 142/9 in 20 overs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Harmanpreet, who scored an unbeaten half-century, though added that her team also came executed their plan well but Australia didn’t allow them to score freely.
“I think the difference between them (and India) is that they didn’t give us easy runs. I think they have definitely the experience. They have played so many World Cups together. I think that is something that always shows them that they are a great side,” she said.
This was India’s first match of the competition in Sharjah while Australia’s third.
“I think we did really well (given the conditions). We knew this was a difficult tournament. When Deepti and I were batting, that time we were not able to utilise a few loose balls. We could have controlled the boundaries. I think we were still in the game. But then again, as we know their experience, they know how to win games like that. We have to learn from them,” Harmanpreet said.
Like Australia, India were also hit by an injury with Ashana Sobhana missing out at the last minute after injuring her knee during the warm-up session.
“That (injury) is something which is not in your control. You always have to make your 13th or 14th play for this tournament. Radha (Yadav) was there and she bowled really well. She knew that she is not going to play today’s game. She was in the game. She was building well. She gave us a breakthrough when we made it. You need a character like that in the team. Whenever you need them, they are always there,” Harmanpreet said.
