Harmanpreet responds after bizarre semi-final dismissal
Racing to a much-needed half-century and looking like one of India's last hopes of dethroning the Australians, Harmanpreet was run out at a match-defining moment of the game, after her bat – upon sliding into her crease – dug into the ground.
Alyssa Healy whipped the bails off after taking an Ash Gardner throw from the boundary, and Kaur was found short of her ground on a third umpire replay.
India went on to fight through late knocks from Richa Ghosh (14) and Deepti Sharma (17), though Australia's 172/4 proved out of reach for the lower order as the challengers fell five runs short.
Harmanpreet Kaur pays high price for bizarre run out | Women's T20WC 2023
India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was on fire until involved in an unusual run out that cost her wicket in the semi-final against Australia at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023
In the aftermath of the defeat, Harmanpreet admitted the moment as a turning point, though acknowledged several others have fallen victim to the same dismissal.
"Sometimes it happens. I have seen many times in cricket, when batters are taking a single like that and sometimes the bat is stuck there," Harmanpreet explained to the press.
"It was unlucky, but I don't think it was a mistake by a schoolgirl, because we are mature enough, we are playing international cricket.
"Obviously I will take that, and we were unlucky today, though there are some things we need to improve.
"It was definitely a disappointment because the way I was batting, maybe that was the only chance I could get out, otherwise, the way I was hitting the ball, I was taking this innings until the end."
Harmanpreet Kaur hits superb half-century to lead India chase | Women's T20WC 2023
Harmanpreet Kaur led India’s recovery with the bat against Australia in the semi-final at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023
Harmanpreet led the team to three wins in the group stage, only losing to England in Gqeberha to set up the semi-final meeting against the defending champions, who strolled to a first-place finish in the other group.
With many players set to return for future global tournaments, Harmanpreet expressed the need for collective introspection if there is to be an improvement.
"If we want to win any game we have to do well in all departments."
"Whenever we come next time to play an ICC tournament we will think about these things before coming here."