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

Following the match, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur lauded Nadine de Klerk (84* off 54) and Chloe Tryon (49 off 66) for their outstanding knocks down the order after India had destroyed half of the South African team for just 81 runs.

On Thursday, October 9, the Indian team suffered its first setback in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, losing to South Africa by three wickets at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Laura Wolvaardt asked India to bat first, and the team was bowled for 251 in 49.5 overs. The Proteas chased down the mark in 48.5 overs, securing their third World Cup victory over India.

“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.

We need to sit and discuss what can work for us to get a decent total on the board: Harmanpreet Kaur

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.