India’s top order finally delivered at the Women’s World Cup 2025, posting a strong total of 330 against Australia. However, a sudden lower-order collapse saw them lose six wickets for just 36 runs, leaving captain Harmanpreet Kaur to lament that they fell “30 to 40 runs short.” Despite becoming the first team to score over 300 batting first against Australia, India were bowled out with seven balls left after being 294 for 4 in the 43rd over.
Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal struck fluent half-centuries, and the middle order made promising starts, but none could finish strongly. Harmanpreet admitted that the failure to capitalise in the last six overs proved costly on a flat batting pitch. “We thought we could’ve added 30-40 more runs. Those last overs where we kept losing wickets really hurt us,” she said after the game.
Head coach Amol Muzumdar echoed her sentiment, stressing the need for stronger finishes with both bat and ball. He cited their earlier loss to South Africa, where India couldn’t defend 251, as another example. “A good start is important, but a better finish wins games,” he said. “Even 20 more runs today might have changed the result.”
India have now lost two straight games despite posting competitive totals, struggling with only five frontline bowlers on batting-friendly pitches. Muzumdar hinted that the management would review their combination before facing England in Indore. Harmanpreet, though, backed the existing setup of five batters, three allrounders, and two bowlers, saying it has worked well in the past.
India also improved their strike rates, with five of the top seven batters scoring above 100, though dot balls remained a concern. Muzumdar acknowledged progress in that area, calling the display “a good sign” of their intent to play more aggressive cricket.
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