Women's World Cup 2025: "As a top order we need to take the responsibility and bat a bit longer" - Harmanpreet Kaur after South Africa loss

Published - 10 Oct 2025, 09:56 IST | Updated - 10 Oct 2025, 10:13 IST

The Indian team suffered their first defeat in the 2025 Women's World Cup as they lost to South Africa at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, October 9, by three wickets. India were dismissed for 251 in 49.5 overs after being asked to bat first by Laura Wolvaardt. The Proteas chased the target in 48.5 overs to register their third win in as many matches against India in World Cups.

After the defeat, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised Nadine de Klerk (84* off 54) and Chloe Tryon (49 off 66) for their splendid knocks down the order after India had dismissed half the South African side for just 81 runs.

"Tough game. Both teams played really well. We collapsed while batting still managed 251 on the board. We got early wickets but in the end de Klerk and Tryon batted really well. They deserved to win because of their knocks," said Harmanpreet after the match.

Earlier in the day, Richa Ghosh helped India get to a respectable total after the Women in Blue were reduced to 153/7 in 40 overs. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed a belligerent 94 off just 77 balls, hitting 11 fours and four sixes. She received rich praise from her captain.

"Richa has been always outstanding for us, she can always turn the game. Very pleased to see her hit those big hits. She can always get us a big total on the board. Hopefully she'll continue," said Harmanpreet.

Harmanpreet, who scored just nine runs, said that the top-order needs to take more responsibility and bat longer. She admitted that the Indian team was guilty of making the same mistakes in the first three games of the Women's World Cup 2025.

"As a top order we need to take the responsibility and bat a bit longer. We kept losing wickets when we were in the middle but a lot of learning for us because in the last 3 games we've been doing the same mistake again and again. We need to sit and discuss what can work for us to get a decent total on the board," said Harmanpreet.

De Klerk clutch overpowers Ghosh's efforts in thriller

The 36-year-old mentioned that there is still a lot of cricket left to play in the tournament, and it is important for the players to not get bogged down after the defeat to South Africa.

"It's a long tournament. Today was a tough game for us but a lot of learning, a lot of positives to see and we have good games coming up. Important to keep us in the positive frame of mind and keep doing the right things and keep improving day by day," said Harmanpreet.