Smriti Mandhana fights back tears after India collapse in easy chase against England

India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was seen fighting back her tears, following their third consecutive loss of the Womens World Cup 2025 against England. India failed to chase down 289, despite being in a dominating position till the 40th over of the second innings

India vice captain Smriti Mandhana struggled to hold back tears as they suffered their third successive loss of the Women’s World Cup 2025 against England on Sunday, October 19 at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. India lost by a narrow margin of four runs as they failed to chase down 289 in their allotted 50 overs and suffered a hat-trick of losses.

Mandhana top-scored for the team with a scintillating innings of 88 (94) laced with eight fours. However, despite her best efforts, India failed to cross the line, putting them on a precarious position on the points table. As the team’s lower order capitulated against England in the death overs, Mandhana was seen sitting dejected in the dugout. The opening batter fought back her tears as India made a mess of the run chase.

The women in blue were 227/3 after 40 overs, needed 62 runs to win off the last ten, having seven wickets in hands. Mandhana was well set at the crease alongside Deepti Sharma and the duo had added 50 runs for the fourth wicket. However, following Mandhana’s dismissal in the 42nd over, Deepti Sharma (50 off 57), Richa Ghosh (8 off 10), Amanjot Kaur (18* off 15) and Sneh Rana (10* off 9) failed to complete the chase.

Despite her stellar knock, Mandhana took the blame for the collapse, which was triggered by her wicket. Meanwhile, the loss has put India in a precarious position on the points table, who now face a must-win clash against New Zealand in their last fixture.

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