'The Indian team touched new heights today' - Former player praises Harmanpreet Kaur for terrific show against Australia in Women's T20 World Cup 2024

India's encounter against Australia in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 was a disaster as the Indian team lost the game by 9 runs and their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals are now in danger. After this loss, the qualification equation came down to a point where Pakistan have to win the match against New Zealand for India to qualify for the next round. Well, New Zealand are a better team than Pakistan if we talk about the current form, so the chances for India's qualification are bleak. 

However, India's performance was outstanding against Australia as they almost chased the target of 152 runs. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was the standout batter for India as she scored a responsible half-century. When she was batting, the hopes of winning the match were high. However, she couldn't help the team to win the match. Meanwhile, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra praised Kaur for her magnificent performance in the match. 

"She got to face only two balls in the last over. If she had played the entire six balls, or five, the match might have been even closer. Yes, it's saddening that they lost, but I always look at cricket in terms of quality. The Indian team touched new heights today. This was a very important match," said Aakash Chopra. 

India did try to win the game, but the top-order tumbled in the beginning, which is another reason why India couldn't chase down the target and lost the match by nine runs. The Aussies have always been a strong competitor for India. Their bowling attack was exceptional, especially during the last over when Annabel Sutherland didn't let Kaur strike the ball. Australia have qualified for the semi-finals with no loss in the tournament yet.

The score was almost like chasing 250: Aakash Chopra

Aakash also spoke about the pitch's condition and mentioned that it was tricky, and the toss was the crucial part of the match. However, the girls played brilliantly in both departments but it was certainly not India's day to take the game home. Harmanpreet's batting was a huge positive from the game and the team will be happy with the way she played. 

"The pitch was very tricky, the score was almost like chasing 250, and they reached so close. It's a matter of great pride for me. The bowling was good. The batters kept scoring few, few runs without Mandhana's contribution, and Harmanpreet Kaur showed in the end why she is so great. She almost won the match," added Aakash Chopra.