We can’t blame Shafali for defeat, says India captain Kaur

Shafali dropped Healy in the first over when the Australian opener was on nine. Healy went on to smash a 39-ball 75 and, along with Beth Mooney (78 not out off 54), added 115 runs for the opening wicket to power Australia to 184 for four.

In reply, India was bowled out for 99 to hand the host a 85-run win and an unprecedented fifth world title in the shortest format.

“She (Verma) is only 16, she’s playing her first World Cup. She did really, really well and performed for us. For a 16-year-old kid, it’s difficult to keep thinkingpositively and stay in the game,” said Kaur.

“It’s a learning lesson for her but it could happen to anyone. We can’t blame her because there were others also in her position.”

Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad also wasted a caught and bowled chance of Mooney early in the Australian innings, and Kaur rued the two dropped catches. “We gave chancesto batters in great form and it’s difficult for bowlers to come back when thathappens,” she said.

Kaur denied that her side was overwhelmed by the occasion as it was playing in its maiden final in front of a record 86174 spectators at the iconic MCG, the most in a women’s cricket match.

“We weren’t feeling under pressure but unfortunately we were unable to create those chances. It’s a lesson for all of us, we have to be at 100 per cent when we’re fielding because that’s the most important part of cricket.” India came into the tournament with one of its youngest squads, and became the first team to field more than one teenager in the tournament’s final. There were plenty of new faces since its 2017 World Cup defeat to England.

On that occasion, just nine runs separated India from the title.