'Batting collapse started with me' — Smriti Mandhana admits poor shot selection after IND-W vs ENG-W loss at Women's World Cup 2025

Divy Dubey

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'Batting collapse started with me' — Smriti Mandhana admits poor shot selection after IND-W vs ENG-W loss at Women's World Cup 2025 image

India's hopes of a crucial win at the Women's World Cup 2025 took another hit as they fell short by just four runs against England in Indore on Sunday. Chasing 289, the hosts looked well on course after a 125-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.

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But a sudden collapse turned the game around, handing England a narrow win and leaving India with plenty to ponder ahead of their final group fixtures.

Smriti Mandhana takes responsibility for India's batting collapse

Mandhana, who top-scored with 88, admitted that her dismissal triggered India's downfall in the chase. The left-hander got dismissed while attempting to loft spinner Linsey Smith, triggering a collapse that saw India lose momentum when the win seemed within reach.

"We collapsed, and everyone saw that. Our shot selections could have been better. Especially since it started with me, I take responsibility for that - my shot selection should have been smarter. We just needed six runs per over and should have taken the game deeper," Mandhana said after the match.

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India needed just 55 runs from the last 52 balls at that stage but lost wickets in quick succession, eventually finishing short of England's 288/8.

Focus shifts to virtual quarter-final against New Zealand

Despite the setback, Mandhana struck an optimistic tone about India's upcoming clash against New Zealand on October 23 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. She highlighted learning from the defeat and regrouping quickly.

"Nothing comes easy in cricket. The next match will be like a virtual quarter-final for us. We will take this in our stride and move forward," she said.

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India, now with three consecutive losses, remain fourth on the points table, while England sealed a semi-final spot alongside Australia and South Africa.

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