"Wasn't the start we were expecting but have to go from here" - Harmanpreet Kaur reflects on loss to New Zealand in 2024 Women's T20 World Cup
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur accepted that the Women in Blue were not at their best against New Zealand in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup clash in Dubai on Friday, October 4. She, however, asserted that the team can do a lot better and make a strong comeback in the upcoming games.
India went down to New Zealand by 58 runs in a Group A match of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. Batting first, the White Ferns put up a competitive 160-4 on the board. In response, India were bowled out for 102 in 19 overs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Indian captain Harmanpreet admitted that the team cannot afford such lackluster performances in the upcoming matches. She said (as quoted by PTI):
"We didn't play our best cricket. Going forward we know every game is important. We have chased many times 160-170; we were expecting that on the board. While batting, we knew someone had to bat through but we kept losing wickets. We know this group is capable of better, this wasn't the start we were expecting but we have to go from here."
While not a single Indian batter reached the 20-run mark against New Zealand, the team's bowling and fielding also left a lot to be desired. The skipper conceded that the Women in Blue did not take their chances in the field and allowed the Kiwis to gain the upper hand.
"We created chances but we were not able to avail those chances. They played better cricket than us, no doubt about that. Fielding we made some mistakes so that is a learning for us going forward," the 35-year-old said.
India's next match in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup will be against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, October 6.
Harmanpreet Kaur was dismissed cheaply in India's chase against New Zealand
Harmanpreet was India's top run-getter in the match against New Zealand on Friday. However, the right-handed batter was dismissed for 15 off 14 balls, trapped lbw by Rosemary Mair (4-19). Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma all got into double figures but couldn't carry on.
On the other hand, skipper Sophie Devine guided New Zealand's innings with an unbeaten 57 off 36 balls, a knock that featured seven fours. Openers Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates contributed 34 and 27, respectively.