India’s Harmanpreet Kaur Celebrates Semifinal Spot After Tough Start

India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, expressed her pride in the team’s resilience after they secured a spot in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup on March 7, 2024. This victory comes after a challenging start, where the team faced three consecutive defeats, a surprising turn for a squad that entered the tournament as one of the favorites.

Kaur highlighted the significance of the match, stating, “Credit goes to the entire team for the way we fought today. We knew how important this game was. The entire team was charged up, and I am happy with how we played today.” She particularly praised the performances of teammates Smriti Mandhana and Pratika, who stepped up to take responsibility during the crucial match.

The captain acknowledged the pressure of competing in a home World Cup, noting, “Whenever you are playing at home, everyone expects a lot from you. As a team, we discuss that this is our home, and the crowd is always cheering for us. This is a moment to enjoy rather than just putting pressure on ourselves.”

New Zealand Faces Disappointment

In contrast, the mood was somber for the White Ferns, as captain Sophie Devine described the tournament as “frustrating.” With three losses from six games, Devine reflected on the disappointment felt by the team and its supporters. “We are incredibly disappointed and gutted, not just for ourselves but for our friends and family. Frustrating tournament — would have loved more opportunities to play and with the bat. Credit to them. The target was just too big for us,” she commented.

India’s resurgence in the tournament has reignited hopes among fans and players alike. The team will now shift its focus to the upcoming semifinals, where they will aim to build on their recent success and advance further in the competition. As for New Zealand, the team will need to regroup and reflect on its performance as it looks ahead to future opportunities.

The journey in the Women’s World Cup continues, and both teams will take valuable lessons from their experiences as the tournament progresses.