“We didn’t take…”: Harmanpreet Kaur on India’s defeat against South Africa at Women’s World Cup 2025

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India suffered their first loss of the Women’s World Cup 2025, going down by three wickets to South Africa in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

After the match, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed disappointment with her top order’s performance, admitting that the batters failed to take responsibility in a crucial group-stage clash.

India’s innings got off to a shaky start after being reduced to 102 for six, before wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh launched a brilliant counterattack. The 21-year-old smashed 94 runs off just 77 balls, hitting 11 fours and 5 sixes to lift India to a competitive 251 all out.

However, her heroics went in vain as South Africa, powered by Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 84 off 54 balls and captain Laura Wolvaardt’s 70, chased down the total in style to secure a thrilling win. The Proteas’ composed run chase handed India a wake-up call early in their campaign.

Speaking after the match, Harmanpreet didn’t mince words about India’s batting struggles, particularly at the top of the order.

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

The skipper acknowledged that despite the batting collapse, India still managed to post a competitive total, thanks to the resilience of the lower order.

“Even though we collapsed while batting, we still managed to put 250 on the board. In the end, Chloe and de Klerk batted really well; they showed it was a very good pitch and they deserved to win,” she added.

While disappointed with the overall result, Harmanpreet was full of praise for Richa Ghosh, whose innings nearly turned the game in India’s favour.

“Richa has been outstanding for us. Today we were very pleased to see her hitting. She can get the big totals, and we hope she continues,” the Indian skipper said.

Ghosh’s innings was a reminder of her growing maturity and ability to perform under pressure – an encouraging sign for India in the long tournament ahead.

Also READ: Women’s World Cup 2025 – Fans react to Richa Ghosh’s controversial dismissal during IND-W vs SA-W clash

For South Africa, Nadine de Klerk was the star of the night, guiding her team to a famous win and earning the Player of the Match award.

“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,” de Klerk 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.”

She credited her teammates, including Chloe Tryon and Laura Wolvaardt, for maintaining composure during the chase.

“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.

Also READ: Fans erupt in joy as Nadine de Klerk’s batting brilliance guides South Africa to a thrilling win over India in Women’s World Cup 2025

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.