Harmanpreet Kaur reckons poor execution in middle-overs cost India

India have now lost all six Women's T20 World Cup games against England. The latest coming in Gqeberha, where the Women in Blue lost by 11 runs. India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur reckons that her side lost momentum in the middle overs that cost them. Renuka Thakur's 5 for 15 had helped INdia restrict England to 151 for 7, but could not chase it down.

Despite this loss, India are still in contention for a place in the semi-final. They will have to beat Ireland in their final game and hope Pakistan lose at least one of their final two games. However, if Pakistan were to win one of their last two matches and India beat Ireland, it will then come down to net run-rate.

Speaking of the loss, Harmanpreet said, "We started really well but in the middle overs, we didn't bowl according to plan and lost the momentum. In batting we were doing well but unfortunately weren't able to get the run rate needed. 

England captain Heather Knight said she was pleased with her side's fielding, despite dropping Smriti Mandhana early. 

"Our ground fielding was the best we did in the competition. Need to take catches and can't drop players like Mandhana," she said.

She also praised Amy Jones for her brilliant knock, playing a key role along with Nat Sciver-Brunt in taking England past 150. Jones played a useful hand, scoring 40 off just 27 deliveries, that included three fours and a couple of sixes.

"Amy was fantastic and it's good to see that our batting group showed character even after 29 for 3. [Renuka] Thakur at front was outstanding, moving the ball both ways is tough," Knight said.

Nat Sciver-Brunt, who was adjudged player of the match for her 50 off 42 reckoned that it was important to rotate the strike in the middle overs and not solely focus on boundaries, given how tough it was to score.

"Didn't get to a quick start. In the middle it was important to not forget about the boundaries. Amy did well," she said. 

Having won all their three matches, England will be hoping to make it four when they take on Pakistan on February 21.