Harmanpreet Kaur optimistic about Women's World Cup chances after back-to-back losses; ‘Two bad games aren’t going…'

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained optimistic of a top four finish despite their two back-to-back defeats in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup 2025 on Sunday. Hosts India started their campaign with wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan but stumbled in front of South Africa and Australia with both their clashed going down the wire.

Unlike the first three matches, the Indian top order delivered just what the doctor. After the openers Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) added 155 runs for the first wicket, Harmanpreet, Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues also contributed to put India at 294/5 in the 43rd over.

However, India's lower order collapsed as the hosts lose six wickets for 26 runs to be all out for 330 in the 49th over. In reply, Australia rode on a majestic century from captain Alyssa Healy to chase down the target, thus etching their names for highest successful run chase in women's ODIs.

With three mre games

For the first time in four matches, India’s top five delivered, with openers Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) adding 155 for the first wicket to set up a mammoth 330-run total against Australia in the Women’s World Cup 2025. Yet, as the defending champions chased down the record target with an over to spare, captain Harmanpreet Kaur felt India “could have added 30–40 more runs,” blaming the lower order for not capitalising on the strong start.