Harmanpreet Kaur Praises Bowlers but Criticizes Fielding in ODI Defeat

Harmanpreet Kaur applauds bowlers but expresses dismay at India’s fielding in the ODI series opener loss to Australia. Australia’s chase secures a 1-0.

Advertisement

India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, expressed satisfaction with the bowling performance but voiced disappointment over the fielding effort following India’s six-wicket defeat to Australia in the ODI series opener at Wankhede Stadium. Despite posting a commendable total of 282/8, the Indian team faltered on the field as Australia successfully chased down the target in 46.3 overs.

Australia’s batting display featured notable performances from Phoebe Litchfield (78), Ellyse Perry (75), Tahlia McGrath (68 off 55 balls), and Beth Mooney (42), marking the second-highest successful chase in women’s ODI history.

Harmanpreet Kaur commented, “We managed to get a defendable total. The bowlers did their job but fielding didn’t work well. After a while, dew was there, but bowlers did well to keep stumps in play. But I was unhappy with our fielding; Australia were amazing at saving runs. Pooja was great. We need to back ourselves and play aggressive cricket.”

Advertisement

Australia’s captain, Alyssa Healy, credited her batters for smoothly achieving the target. “Sometimes you just gotta get out the way and let the good players do their thing. Dew came in late in the game, but I thought we could’ve been tighter in the last ten while bowling. Batting approach was sensational; that was the blueprint we want to put out there.”

With Australia now holding a 1-0 lead in the three-game series, the second match is set to take place at the same venue on Saturday. The competition intensifies as both teams aim to assert their dominance in the ongoing ODI series.

IANS