'We're not able to utilise loose balls': Harmanpreet Kaur on India's loss to Australia

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, rued her side's nine-run loss to Australia in a must-win game at the Women's T20 World Cup in Dubai.

Harmanpreet forged a 63-run partnership off 55 balls with Deepti Sharma for the fourth wicket but hardly could capitalise on loose balls.

“The only thing is, when Deepti and I were batting, that time we were not able to utilise a few loose balls. We could have controlled the boundaries. I think we were still in the game,” said Harmanpreet, who scored an unbeaten 54 off 47 balls with six fours.

“But then again, as we know their (Australia’s) experience, they know how to win games like that. We have to learn from them,” she said.

While chasing a 152-run target against Australia, India could score 142 for 9 in 20 overs.

The loss now put India's chance of survival in the World Cup on the game between New Zealand and Pakistan.

A win for New Zealand meant India will be out of the tournament, while a win for Pakistan help India reach the semifinals.

Harmanpreet said that Australia did not allow her side to score freely.

“I think the difference between them and us is their fielding. They didn’t give us easy runs. I think they have definitely the experience. They have played so many World Cups together,” she said.

“That is something that always shows that they are a great side,” she added.

Talking about semifinal chances, Harmanpreet said, “We knew this was a difficult tournament. Whatever was in our hands, we were trying to do that. But that is something which is not in our control,” she said.