'Until The Last Moment, We Believed We Could Win': Harmanpreet Kaur Reflects On India's Memorable Victory

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of India, was elated following her team’s decisive 2022 Commonwealth Games semi-final victory against England. 

India retained their composure against the hosts England in a hard-fought match that came down to the last over and managed to defend 14 runs in the final over to secure a spot in the gold medal match. 

The Indian women’s team overcame obstacles in tight games, including the heartbreaking defeat that saw them eliminated from the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in the group stage earlier this year, to get to the final, where they will face Australia on Sunday. 

Even When They Were Going Well, No One Gave Up: Harmanpreet Kaur

Harmanpreet Kaur was overjoyed with the triumph and happy that her team delivered when it counted. 

“Until the last moment, we believed we could win, even though they had a couple of strong partnerships,” Harmanpreet Kaur said. 

“Even when they were going well, no one gave up. We’ve been working on this for a while. If you keep doing this, results will come at some point along the way, and I’m glad it is showing now. 

“It was an important match. It feels good that everyone stepped up to their responsibilities with the bat, ball and on the field. It’s important that all of them remain together in such matches.

In the last over, if you see, our fast fielders took the responsibility of fielding in the deep. That shows how keen you are to do well for the team.” 

Smriti Mandhana was the star of the show and, more significantly, the difference between the two teams, despite the fact that it was a genuine team effort. 

The southpaw broke her own record of 24 balls during the Powerplay and smashed the quickest T20I fifty by an Indian women’s player (in 23 balls). 

Smriti Mandhana Was Outstanding To Watch: Harmanpreet Kaur

In the press conference following the game, Harmanpreet Kaur claimed that India had a clear strategy to try and score large in the Powerplay. 

“We were ready to lose one wicket, but we needed to utilise the first six overs on a fresh wicket,” she said.

“The way Smriti batted was outstanding to watch. We were looking for more than 150. In games like these, you need to have (a big) total on the board. 

“Smriti is someone who is keen to do well for the team always. That innings charged us up, and when the opponent’s body language is down, we could utilise those moments.

Also, the way Jemi (Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored an unbeaten 44 off 31 balls) batted was outstanding. We needed someone who could finish and it was great that she was there till the last ball.” 

After defeating England, India doesn’t have much time to enjoy their success because they immediately play Australia in the championship game. India is eager to win the gold medal in the first-ever women’s cricket competition at the Commonwealth Games, even though a silver medal is very certain. 

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