For the third straight time in the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 tournament, India's top-order has failed to take up responsibility to set a platform for their attacking middle-order batters. This time, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur threw the top-order batters under the bus for the bitter three-wicket defeat against South Africa. That India could stretch the match this far was due to the power-hitting of Richa Ghosh, who scored a phenomenal 94, and took the team's total of 251.
However, the keeper-batter's knock went in vain, as South Africa all-rounder Nadine de Klerk's stunning 54-ball 84 not out took the team to an epic win. The foundation of the chase was laid by Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who struck 70, as India encountered their first defeat in the event.
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“We didn't take the responsibility as a top-order. We have to change things. We have to get the good totals. It is a long tournament. It was a tough game, but there were lots of learning's. We need to keep ourselves in the positive frame (of mind),” Harmanpreet said after the match.
“(It was a) tough game. Both teams played really well. Even though we collapsed while batting but we still managed to put 250 on the board.
“In the end, Chloe and de Klerk batted; they showed it was a very good pitch and they deserved to win with the way they batted,” the Indian captain said.
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Harmanpreet lavishes huge praise on Richa Ghosh's stunning innings
The skipper further went on to lavish huge praise on Richa for the way she played attacking cricket, and enabled India to a competitive total.
“Richa has been outstanding for us. Today, we were very pleased to see Richa's hitting. She can get the big totals. Hope she continues,” Harmanpreet said.
De Klerk, who was named player of the match award for her batting blitz, said there is nothing more satisfying than beating India in their backyard.
“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,” she said.
“I do like being under pressure. I love the World Cups. No bigger stage than playing in 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.
“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.
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Things are only going to get tougher for India as they next face Australia on Sunday, October 12. They lost an ODI series 1-2 against them preceding the World Cup.
