Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 10: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed disappointment over the top order’s failure after her side suffered a three-wicket defeat to South Africa in their Women’s World Cup encounter on Thursday.

Despite a spirited counterattack from wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who smashed a brilliant 94 off 77 balls with 11 fours and five sixes while batting at No. 8, India could only manage 251 all out after being reduced to 102 for six.

South Africa, led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s composed 70 and Nadine de Klerk’s explosive unbeaten 84 off just 54 deliveries, chased down the target to hand India their first loss of the tournament.

Speaking after the match, Harmanpreet said the senior batters failed to shoulder responsibility.

“We didn’t take the responsibility as a top order. We have to change things. We have to get good totals. It’s a long tournament and there are lots of learnings. We need to keep ourselves in a positive frame of mind,” she said.

Reflecting on the game, the skipper added, “Both teams played really well. Even though we collapsed while batting, we still managed to put 250 on the board. In the end, Chloe and de Klerk batted beautifully. They showed it was a very good pitch and they deserved to win.”

Harmanpreet also lauded Richa Ghosh for her outstanding innings that gave India a fighting chance.

“Richa has been outstanding for us. Today, we were very pleased to see her hitting. She can get big totals, and I hope she continues this form,” she added.

South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk, who was named Player of the Match for her match-winning knock, said defeating India in their own backyard was a special feeling.

“I am lost for words. To take the game deep and get over the line against India at home is great. I love being under pressure and playing in World Cups — there’s no bigger stage. We just had to believe and take it deep. Chloe took the pressure off me, and Laura was brilliant,” de Klerk said.

South Africa appeared in trouble at 142 for six when Wolvaardt was dismissed in the 36th over. But a defiant 69-run partnership between de Klerk and Chloe Tryon turned the tide. Tryon’s composed finish ensured the visitors crossed the line with an over to spare.

Wolvaardt praised her teammates for their remarkable fightback.

“It was incredible. I don’t think I have seen something like that all my career. That was a special innings. We were in a pickle, but we knew if we took the game deep, we had a chance,” the Proteas skipper said.

She also commended de Klerk’s recent form, saying, “She has been hitting like that in the nets against all our bowlers, and I’m glad it came off in the match. She timed the chase perfectly.”

With this victory, South Africa bounced back strongly after their heavy defeat to England in the opening match, reaffirming their credentials as serious contenders in the tournament.