"We were so close": Head coach Amol Muzumdar reflects on India's heartbreak against England in ODI WC 2025
New Delhi, May 29
Indian Women's team head coach Amol Muzumdar reflected on India's narrow four-run defeat to England in the ODI World Cup last year, admitting it was deeply disappointing, saying the team felt the match was within their grasp before it slipped away.
He acknowledged the loss had negatively impacted the squad emotionally, but stressed the importance of reflecting honestly on their performances and having open conversations within the team afterwards.
"Obviously, I was disappointed with the loss against England; it goes without saying. We were so close, and especially in that game, it felt like the match was completely in our back pockets. When somebody snatches that away from you, it hurts deeply, and I think it affected us in the wrong way. I remember sitting in the dugout and saying that we had put in an honest effort so far. So, let's have an honest conversation about this," Amol Muzumdar said on JioStar.
England held their nerve to edge past India by four runs in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 clash at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, England posted 288/8.
Smriti Mandhana (88) top-scored for India with valuable contributions from Harmanpreet Kaur (70) and Deepti Sharma (50) that kept the hosts in contention.
However, England struck at crucial moments, breaking key partnerships and tightening their grip as the required run rate kept climbing, making the chase increasingly difficult for India in the final overs.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/47) was the pick of the bowlers while Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell chipped in with a wicket each.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Heartbreaking to read this again. That match at Indore was a classic - both teams played their hearts out. India were cruising at one point, but England's experience in crunch moments showed. Hopefully the girls learn from this and come back stronger.
4 runs... that's just one boundary 😞 Our women's team has been so close in ICC events multiple times now. I hope the coaching staff works on death bowling and finishing skills. We have the talent, just need to hold our nerves in pressure situations.
Honestly, India's batting depth looked worrying. After Harmanpreet and Deepti got out, there was no one to accelerate. We need more all-rounders who can hit big in the death overs. But credit to England's bowling - Ecclestone and Sciver-Brunt were brilliant.
Heart goes out to the team 💔 But I'm proud of how far Indian women's cricket has come. From being underdogs to almost winning the World Cup - that's progress. Amol Muzumdar seems like a genuine coach who cares about the players' mental well-being too.
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