Birthday special: Harmanpreet Kaur – Her top 3 knocks in international cricket
The skipper of India women’s T20I team, Harmanpreet Kaur turns 33 on Tuesday (March 8) and birthday wishes are pouring in for her from different corners. A batting all-rounder, Harmanpreet has been a vital cog of the national team across formats and her records are also pretty impressive. The right-handed batter can anchor the innings in the middle overs alongside playing big shots towards the end. She’s also a handy off-spinner, who has a knack for providing crucial breakthroughs.
Notably, Harmanpreet made her debut way back in 2009 and has been a vital part of the national team since then. Besides her batting and bowling prowess, the veteran has made a mark in the leadership department as well. She took India to the finals in the T20 World Cup 2020, where they lost to eventual champions Australia. As of now, Harmanpreet is serving the national team in the ongoing Women’s World Cup 2022 in New Zealand.
Meanwhile, let’s look at three best knocks of Harmanpreet Kaur’s career:
103 vs New Zealand in 2018
History was scripted when India and New Zealand met in the 2018 T20 World Cup as Harmapreet Kaur became the first woman from her country to hit a century in the T20Is. Coming to bat at number five, the Indian skipper played a magnificent knock which included eight sixes and seven boundaries as she reached the three-figure mark in just 49 deliveries. India went on to win that contest by 34 runs.
171 vs Australia in 2017
Harmanpreet was at her destructive best when India crossed swords with Australia in the semi-final of the 2017 ODI World Cup. Batting at number four, the dasher went after the bowlers from the outset and played several delightful shots all over the park. The batter ended up scoring 171 not out off 115 balls as the Women in Blue clinched the contest by 36 runs.
107 vs England in 2013
Another Harmanpreet Kaur was witnessed during India’s clash with England in the 2013 ODI World Cup. Chasing 273 in Mumbai, India lost three wickets inside 30 runs and looked in all sorts of trouble. However, Harmanpreet embraced the challenge and put up a batting exhibition. She paced her innings to perfection and went on to slam a terrific century. However, her 107-run knock off 109 deliveries went in vain as India lost the contest by 32 runs.
