CANBERRA – In a heartbreaking 19-run defeat to Australia in the second T20I on Thursday, Indian women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed deep regret over the team’s batting collapse at crucial junctures. Chasing a challenging 164, India faltered dramatically, losing their fourth wicket at 126 and ninth at 133, eventually finishing at 144/9.
The match turned decisively after Harmanpreet’s dismissal, leaving the lower order in disarray. Australia seized the opportunity, clinching victory and leveling the three-match series 1-1. Speaking post-match, Harmanpreet pinpointed the failure to finish as the key issue. ‘We wanted to accelerate, but that’s when things slipped. We needed more responsibility in batting,’ she said, highlighting the vital partnership with Smriti Mandhana that was cut short at a turning point.
India started strongly, with openers capitalizing on the powerplay to build a solid platform. Harmanpreet then stitched a crucial 55-run stand with Richa Ghosh in the middle overs, keeping India in contention. However, Australia’s bowlers executed a flawless death-over strategy, mixing pace variations and disciplined lines to stifle any comeback.
Despite the loss, Harmanpreet drew positives from India’s bowling effort that restricted Australia after their explosive start, and the partnerships forged during the chase. ‘Stopping them at a good total was our biggest positive. We had good stands too – it’s about taking the game deeper and one batter stepping up to finish,’ she noted optimistically. With the series now poised evenly, India will look to adapt to the pitch and refine their plans for the decider.