Smriti’s Wicket Pivotal in Defeat, Says Harmanpreet After World Cup Loss to England

India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, remarked that losing Smriti Mandhana’s wicket was a pivotal moment in their narrow four-run defeat to England during a Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 league stage match at Holkar Stadium, Indore, on Sunday.

The Indian team faced the challenge of achieving their highest-ever successful chase in an ODI but fell just short. Set a target of 289, India was initially set back by the loss of two early wickets in the PowerPlay. However, a partnership of 125 runs for the third wicket between Smriti and Harmanpreet steadied the innings. Harmanpreet was dismissed for 70 in the 31st over, and later, Smriti was out for 88 in the 42nd over.

“The turning point for us was Smriti’s wicket,” Harmanpreet commented. “Although we still had capable batters, somehow things didn’t go our way. Credit to England for maintaining their bowling pressure and taking wickets consistently. It’s disheartening to have put so much effort in and yet see the last five or six overs not unfold as planned. It’s truly heartbreaking,” she reflected after the match.

Following this defeat, India’s third consecutive in the tournament, their chances of making it to the semifinals have been significantly impacted.

“We are playing well and not giving up, but we must finish strong. We’ve shown good cricket in the last three games, albeit with unfortunate outcomes. Our bowlers performed admirably, especially when Heather [Knight] was batting, and England appeared strong. We did many things right, but we need to analyze what went wrong in those last five overs,” Harmanpreet added.

India’s next crucial match is against New Zealand on October 23 in Navi Mumbai. “The next game [against New Zealand] is extremely important,” concluded Harmanpreet.

If India loses to New Zealand, they must win their final league match against Bangladesh and hope for favorable results in other matches.

Published on October 19, 2025.