'It was a disappointing game for India because…': Mithali on loss against SA

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In the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against South Africa, Team India suffered a loss by six wickets at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Greater Manchester.

Speaking about the loss, former cricketer Mithali Raj said that it was a match where the “Women in Blue” should have secured victory, considering that the road to qualification for the semi-final is tough.

“It was a disappointing game for India because, had they won this, they would be on top of the table, and now they have no other choice but to beat Australia to get into the semi-finals. It was their game to win because it’s a little tough road ahead,” she said on JioStar.

During the match against South Africa, Team India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur came to bat at number five. The former cricketer feels that the skipper should bat at number four and allow Jemimah Rodrigues to come at number five, as she has already tasted success in that position.

“From batting order point of view, we haven’t seen Harmanpreet bat that late at number five very often, so perhaps she can come in at number four and Jemimah at number five. Jemimah has played at number five before and scored a lot of runs there. By the time she comes in, she will most likely face the spinners, which is her strength. She can use her feet and plays the scoops and sweeps well,” said Mithali.

“That could help build her confidence, get her back into rhythm and regain that momentum, with Harmanpreet batting ahead of Jemimah,” she added.

Harmanpreet Kaur-led women will lock horns with Bangladesh in their upcoming fixture of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The clash is scheduled to be played on June 25 at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Greater Manchester. They will then clash against Australia on June 28 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in the City of Westminster.

Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: India’s squad for marquee event

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Nandni Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Radha Yadav, Prema Rawat.

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