Smriti Mandhana Reflects on Costly Shot After India’s Tight Defeat to England

There’s nothing more painful in cricket than watching a match slip away when victory feels just a few overs away. That’s exactly what happened during the India vs England Women’s World Cup 2025 clash in Indore. India came agonizingly close to a much-needed win but fell short by just four runs. At the center of it all was Smriti Mandhana, who played a graceful knock of 88 before one mistimed shot changed everything.

As someone who has followed Indian women’s cricket closely, this game felt like one of those heartbreaks where effort, talent, and passion were all there but timing let it all go.

A Flawless Innings That Ended Too Soon: India vs England Women’s World Cup 2025

Smriti Mandhana looked in complete control for most of the innings. Her timing, her placement, and her calm presence made chasing look effortless. By the 42nd over, India needed only 55 runs off 52 balls a chase well within reach.

Then came that one shot. Attempting to loft over covers, Mandhana mistimed it and found the fielder at long-off. It was one of those moments where you could almost feel the silence spread across the stadium. Even she admitted later, “I was trying to aim more over covers. I mistimed that shot.”

It’s human to make mistakes, but in cricket, one decision can turn the entire game. And for Mandhana, that moment became the turning point.

When Emotions Take Over in High-Pressure Games

In her post-match reflection, Mandhana didn’t shy away from taking responsibility. She admitted that the emotions of the moment got the better of her. “Maybe the emotions took over for that one, which never helps in cricket,” she said honestly.

That’s something every player, or even every person, can relate to. How often do we let emotions overrule our patience, especially when things seem within reach? In sport and in life, holding your nerve is the real challenge.

Even after she got out, Mandhana believed India could still win. But as the wickets began to tumble, the pressure tightened its grip. The final overs saw poor shot selections, and the result slipped away.

Team’s Selection and the Balancing Act: India vs England Women’s World Cup 2025

India made a bold choice going into this India vs England Women’s World Cup 2025 match dropping Jemimah Rodrigues to bring in Renuka Singh Thakur. The idea was to strengthen the bowling attack after previous matches showed the risks of having just five bowlers.

Mandhana acknowledged it was a tough call. “Sometimes you need to do those sort of things to get the balance right,” she said, clarifying that the decision wasn’t permanent and would depend on conditions. It’s a reminder of how strategic cricket really is. Every match demands a new balance between bat and ball.

Lessons Before Facing New Zealand

With India now set to face New Zealand on October 23 in Navi Mumbai, Mandhana’s words about learning from “bad days” carry real weight. “You don’t play cricket to have easy days,” she said. “It’s about how you take those bad days and move on.”

That’s the kind of mindset champions have not running from failure but learning from it. India still has a strong chance to reach the semi-finals if they bring their best game against New Zealand.

Conclusion: India vs England Women’s World Cup 2025

Cricket is full of “what if” moments, and this India vs England Women’s World Cup 2025 clash was one of them. Smriti Mandhana’s 88 was a masterclass, but her honesty in taking responsibility shows her maturity and leadership. Mistakes happen, but learning from them is what sets true athletes apart.

What did you think about India’s performance in this match? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow MyNewsNest for more heartfelt match stories and updates.

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