At Indore’s Holkar Stadium, a small section of a wall is routinely demolished before every international match to allow access to the north stand—and rebuilt once the event ends. It’s a fitting metaphor for India’s Women’s World Cup campaign: the more things change, the more they stay the same.
India’s pattern has been frustratingly consistent. Against South Africa, the top order collapsed but the lower order rescued them. Against Australia, the top order fired but the lower order failed. And against England, with seven wickets in hand and 57 runs required off as many balls, they appeared set for victory—only to suffer a third consecutive defeat.
After early wickets, Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur rebuilt smartly. Mandhana started tentatively, needing 23 balls for her first boundary, while Harmanpreet looked composed and fluent. Earlier, India’s bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma, had pegged England back from a potential 320-plus total.
England’s left-arm spinners—usually India’s weakness—were ineffective until the 42nd over as Mandhana and Harmanpreet combined for a brisk 125-run partnership off 122 balls. England, who had previously been the most economical side in middle overs (3.31 RPO), were taken for over six an over during this phase.
India’s team selection favored an extra bowler over a batter, making it crucial for either Mandhana or Harmanpreet to finish the chase. Mandhana, batting sensibly, succumbed in the 42nd over when she lofted Linsey Smith to long-off.
“Smriti’s wicket was a turning point,” admitted Harmanpreet. “We still had batters, but it just didn’t go our way.”
From there, England tightened their grip. Smith and Sophie Ecclestone bowled in tandem, restricting India to 31 runs for 2 wickets in the final phase. Deepti Sharma, who had earlier scored fluently, struggled to rotate strike once the pressure mounted.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Harmanpreet said post-match. “We worked hard and took the game deep, but the final overs slipped away. I’m lost for words.”
England’s spin pair applied the Jess Jonassen formula—bowling wicket to wicket, cramping batters for room, and preventing boundary shots. India didn’t collapse outright, but they were strangled into submission.
Still, all is not lost. India’s campaign continues, with matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh at DY Patil Stadium—a venue where they’ve recently performed well. England themselves had bounced back from three early losses to reach the 2022 World Cup final, offering India a model for recovery.
As they reassess team balance and mental composure, India must address the “cracks in the wall” before their home World Cup campaign completely unravels.
