It was a heartbreak for Team India as they went down fighting against Australia women in Sharjah in a bid to cement their place in the semis of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet Kaur scored a warring half-century, spearheading the Indian battery. However, that wasn’t enough to propel India across the finishing line as they fell short of the total by 9 runs.

Talking at the post-match presentation, Kaur underlined the key differences between the Indian team and the Australian side. She pointed out the collective strength of the Australian team and wasn’t particularly happy with the kind of show that was put on by the Women in Blue.

Kaur said, “I think their entire team contributed, they don't depend on one or two players, they have a lot of all-rounders who contribute. We also planned well and we were there in the game. They didn't give away easy runs and made it difficult. They are an experienced side.”

Shedding some light about the conditions, Kaur added, “That is something that is not in your control, you have to always keep your playing eleven ready even when one or two players misses out. Radha bowled really well, she was in the game and she was fielding well. You need a character like that in the team who is always there. It was a chaseable total. When me and Deepti were batting, we couldn't hit a few loose balls.”

She concluded by saying, “We can learn a lot from Australia. Whatever was in our hands, we were trying to do that but that's something not in our control. If we get the opportunity to play another game, that will be great. But otherwise, whoever deserves to be there, that team will be there.”