Defending the team management's decision to bench veteran Mithali Raj even after Friday's heartbreaking 8-wicket semi-final loss to England in the Women’s World T20, India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur maintained she had "no regrets".
Whatever we decided, we decided for the team. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, no regrets. I’m proud of the way my girls played through the tournament. This is a learning for us because we are a young team.Harmanpreet Kaur, Indian Captain
Batting first in the semi-final, India were bowled out for 112 in 19.3 overs following a batting order collapse that saw 8 wickets fall for 23 runs.
On a pitch that wasn't the easiest to bat on, the English duo of Natalie Sciver (54 not out) and Amy Ellen Jones (51 not out) displayed great technique to deny India any chances of a comeback after the spinners removed the openers within the first five overs of the England chase.
The Indian skipper praised England’s approach to the semi-final.
Sometimes you have to change your game according to the wicket. England bowled really well, read the wicket really well. It was not an easy total to chase, and our bowlers bowled really well. We stretched the match till the 18th over.Harmanpreet Kaur, Indian Captain
Harmanpreet further added that this World T20 was another learning curve for her young side and pointed out the need to focus on mental strength.
I think we are a young team and we still need to work on our mental strength. If we can work on how to play under pressure, that will change how we play these games.Harmanpreet Kaur, Indian Captain
England, the reigning ODI World Champions, will now meet Australia in the summit clash on Sunday after the Southern Stars beat defending champions West Indies by 72 runs.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)