India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur rued a dramatic lower-order collapse as world champions Australia chased down a record 331 to secure a three-wicket victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 fixture at Vizag on Sunday (October 13).

At 294/4 with more than seven overs left in their innings, the Women in Blue looked prime to surpass 350 but they were bundled out instead, losing last six wickets for just 36 runs. Annabel Sutherland ran through the Indian lower order, returning with her maiden five-wicket haul (5/40 in 9.5 overs).

“The way we started, we could have added more 30-40 runs. We missed runs in the last six overs and that cost us," Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation.

“It was a good batting wicket, but not batting well in the last six overs cost us."

Earlier, openers Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75) shared 155-run stand to set the foundation of a massive total.

“Openers have been outstanding, because of them we have been scoring 300 runs. The last five overs cost us. Last three games we were not able to bat in the middle overs. Our lower order took responsibility," Harmanpreet said.

“Today the first 40 overs were good. It is important how we come back, these things happen," she added.

India’s decision to go with five bowlers to bolster their batting once again backfired as Australia overhauled the colossal target with an over to spare.

Harmanpreet said they would “sit and discuss" the strategy as they faced two successive defeats, first against South Africa on Thursday when they failed to defend 251.

“We’ll sit and discuss. This combination has given us success. Two bad games are not going to make a difference," she remarked.

Only Shree Charani (3/41) made a mark with the ball while the rest proved expensive. “She has been outstanding. Today also she bowled well to their batters. Even when Healy was batting, she was not giving anything easily. We have a lot of hope from her to give breakthroughs," Harmanpreet said.

(With inputs from Agencies)