Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has etched her name in the record books as the fastest Indian to score a half-century in a Women’s T20 World Cup. In a blistering display of power-hitting, Kaur reached the milestone in just 27 balls against Sri Lanka in Dubai.
Kaur’s innings was a masterclass in aggression, as she unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes, putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under relentless pressure. She surpassed the previous record held by Smriti Mandhana, who reached the mark off 31 deliveries against Australia in 2018.
Coming in at a crucial stage, Kaur wasted no time in settling, targeting both spinners and pacers with equal authority. She cleared the boundary with ease, dispatching deliveries at her own will. The rapid fifty not only showcased her explosive batting but also shifted the momentum in India’s favor, as they posted a commanding 172-run total.
With this knock, Kaur also joined an elite group of batters, becoming only the third player after Suzie Bates of New Zealand and her compatriot Smriti Mandhana to amass 3500 runs in Women’s T20Is. Her fearless approach and ability to dominate the bowling attack in high-pressure situations have become her signature, further cementing her reputation as one of the premier batters in women’s cricket.
In 176 T20Is till date, the seasoned 35-year-old has amassed an impressive tally of 3522 runs. Her batting prowess is evident in her commendable average of 28.63 and a strike-rate of 108.13. Harmanpreet’s consistency is further highlighted by her single century and 13 half-centuries in the shortest format of the game.
