'We didn't take responsibility': Harmanpreet Kaur blasts top order after India's shock loss to South Africa

NEW DELHI: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur minced no words after her team's shocking three-wicket loss to South Africa in the ICC Women's World Cup on Thursday, admitting that her top order failed to take responsibility when it mattered most.

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


India, reeling at 102 for six, were rescued by 's breathtaking 94 off 77 balls, studded with 11 fours and five sixes, lifting the side to 251. However, South Africa's Nadine de Klerk (84 not out off 54) and skipper Laura Wolvaardt (70) guided their team to a memorable victory, handing India their first defeat of the campaign.

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

The Indian skipper, however, was all praise for her wicketkeeper-batter, whose heroics went in vain. “Richa has been outstanding for us. Today we were very pleased to see her hitting. She can get the big totals — hope she continues.”

For South Africa, de Klerk was understandably ecstatic after being named Player of the Match. “I'm lost for words,” she said. “No bigger stage than playing India at home. We had to take it deep, and Chloe took the pressure off me. We're capable of beating the best sides.”

Wolvaardt echoed her teammate's sentiments, hailing de Klerk's fearless hitting. “I don't think I've seen something like that in my career. It was a special innings,” she said. “She's been hitting like that in the nets, and I'm glad it came off today.”

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