Harmanpreet Kaur: Top 5 Knocks Of Team India Captain In All Formats

Team India captain Harmanpreet Kaur is a bonafide legend who has changed the landscape of the women’s game. The right-handed star hailing from Moga, Punjab would have never imagined that her presence in the Indian set-up would have yielded such phenomenal knocks over the years.

As the swashbuckling batter celebrates her 35th birthday, let us take a trip down memory lane and reminisce over her stellar knocks so far.

171* vs Australia- ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2017

A defining knock in Harmanpreet Kaur’s career, this 171* will stand the test of time for being arguably the best knock played by an Indian batter in a World Cup. Scoring that knock in a span of 115 balls, Kaur unleashed her attacking prowess on a hapless Australian bowling side that could only marvel at her knock.

This ensured India could knock off Australia from the finals reckoning and although India had that heartbreaking loss to England in the finals; fans will widely remember this knock as the metaphorical glass ceiling breaker type of knock that will go down in the annals of history.

💥 171* runs
💥 115 balls
💥 20 fours
💥 7 sixes#OnThisDay in 2017, Harmanpreet Kaur recorded the highest individual score by an Indian batter in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup! pic.twitter.com/hPMJu1ROyo

— ICC (@ICC) July 20, 2020

143 vs England- India’s Tour of England- 2nd ODI, 2022

The Indian captain displayed sheer dominance in this knock versus England, hammering an imperious 143 not out from just 111 balls as India piled up a formidable total of 333 for five – the second-highest ever against England in ODIs.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s magnificent innings ensured the Indian women’s team clinched their first ODI series victory in England since 1999. Bolstered by Harmanpreet’s masterclass, India posted their highest-ever overseas total of 333/5 against England in the second ODI. Harmanpreet unleashed a barrage of strokes, smashing 18 fours and four sixes during her 111-ball innings.

She formed a crucial 112-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Harleen Deol (58 off 72 balls). Additionally, she combined for a 50-run partnership with Pooja Vastrakar and an unbeaten 71-run stand in just four overs with Deepti Sharma for the sixth wicket. Harmanpreet’s onslaught in the last three overs proved to be the turning point of the match, as she wrested control away from England’s grasp.

Captain Harman was on a rampage against 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 tonight 🔥

📹 | Watch @ImHarmanpreet's masterclass of 1️⃣4️⃣3️⃣*, her maiden 💯 against England that took the #WomenInBlue to a huge total of 3️⃣3️⃣3️⃣ 😮#ENGvIND #HarmanpreetKaur #TeamIndia #SonySportsNetwork #SirfSonyPeDikhega pic.twitter.com/9U9X2ZJE59

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 21, 2022

107 vs England- ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, 2013

The Indian team commenced their campaign in the 2013 Women’s World Cup with a resounding victory, defeating West Indies by a massive margin of 110 runs. However, their next challenge loomed large in the form of England who had been in exceptional form, powering to a competitive total of 272/8.

Faced with the daunting task of chasing down England’s imposing total, India sought inspiration from within their own ranks. That inspiration came in the form of Harmanpreet Kaur, who walked in at No. 2 after the dismissal of Mithali Raj, with India struggling at 29/3.

Harmanpreet Kaur forged a pivotal partnership with wicketkeeper KV Jain, who contributed with a gritty 56 runs off 96 balls. Even after Jain’s departure, Kaur exhibited remarkable resilience as she continued to anchor the innings. She went on to craft an impressive knock of 107 runs off 109 balls, embellished with 8 fours and 2 sixes. Despite Kaur’s heroic effort, India fell short by 34 runs in their pursuit of England’s total.

84 vs England- ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2009

Harmanpreet Kaur made her debut for the national side in a high-pressure match against India’s fierce rivals, Pakistan, at the grand stage of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2009. Despite the nerves, the young cricketer handled the situation with maturity. Although she didn’t make much impact with the bat in that match, her standout performance of the year came just 8 days after her debut, in a match against England.

With India reeling at 26/4, the situation was precarious, especially for a 20-year-old cricketer. Yet, Kaur rose to the occasion, adapting quickly and playing a crucial innings of 84 runs.

65 vs Australia, CWG 2022

Leading from the front, Harmanpreet Kaur spearheaded India’s chase with aggression in the Commonwealth Games Gold Medal match, taking on the Australian bowlers with free-flowing strokes, and displaying a determined effort to guide India to victory. She showcased a fearless approach, striking 7 boundaries and 2 sixes during her innings.

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Edgbaston Cricket Stadium, Kaur treated the audience to a spectacle of clean hitting, ensuring that India maintained control over the required run rate while she remained at the crease. By the end of the powerplay, India’s score stood at 42/2, with Harmanpreet wasting no time in welcoming bowler Alana King with a boundary to deep mid-wicket. She reached her half-century off just 34 deliveries, dominating the Australian bowlers with her aggressive stroke play.

Partnering Jemimah Rodrigues, the duo ensured India’s score reached beyond the 100-run mark by the 14th over, unleashing a barrage of sixes and fours to keep the momentum firmly in India’s favour chasing the daunting total of 161. However, the loss of wickets consecutively meant India slipped in the match by 9 runs and secured a silver medal.

Special Mention: WPL 2023 – 65 vs GG

In WPL 2023 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Harmanpreet Kaur showcased an electrifying performance during the opening match against Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). In this inaugural match, Mumbai Indians were put in to bat first. Facing a challenging situation with two wickets down at 69 runs in nearly 9 overs, Harmanpreet Kaur swiftly assessed the pitch conditions and broke free to achieve the first fifty of the WPL in a remarkably short time.

Her brilliance shone as she became the fourth-fastest player in WPL history to reach a fifty, achieving this milestone in just 22 deliveries. She continued her impactful innings, adding 15 more runs before being dismissed by Sneh Rana on the last ball of the 17th over, with Mumbai Indians comfortably positioned at 166 runs.

She hammered 65 runs off 30 balls at an impressive strike rate of 216.67. Her innings, embellished with 14 fours, propelled Mumbai Indians to a commanding total of 207 for 5, securing a convincing 143-run victory as Gujrat Giants were bundled out for 64 runs.

On behalf of Women’s CricInsight, we wish the skipper of our hearts Harmanpreet Kaur a very happy birthday and the grit to continue playing on the front foot guiding India to memorable victories in the years to come!

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