After sweeping the three-match ODI series and securing a decisive 10-wicket victory in the one-off Test, the Women in Blue are now hosting South Africa in a three-match T20I series. The first match took place on July 5, 2024, at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, marking the continuation of South Africa’s tour of India that began on June 16.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s journey in T20Is is a testament to her exceptional talent and leadership in Indian women’s cricket. Since her impactful debut against England in 2009, where she began to showcase her batting ability, Kaur has amassed 3309 runs in 166 T20I appearances. Her highest score of 103 not out against New Zealand exemplifies her ability to dominate on the international stage, setting her apart as one of India’s most reliable and impactful batters. Beyond batting, Kaur has also proven her versatility with the ball, taking 32 wickets at an average of 25.84, including best figures of 4/23.
In April 2013, Kaur took over the captaincy role, demonstrating her leadership ability to shoulder significant responsibilities in the absence of Mithali Raj. This opportunity marked a pivotal moment in her career, further solidifying her stature as a leader within the Indian women’s cricket team. Her historic achievements include being the first Indian cricketer, male or female, to secure a contract with a foreign T20 league, joining the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Kaur’s consistent performances and leadership were recognized globally when she was awarded the ICC Women’s Player of the Month in September 2022. In 2023, she continued to make history by becoming the first cricketer ever to play 150 T20Is and led her team to victory in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL), further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in Indian women’s cricket.
In the WT20I opener against South Africa, Harmanpreet Kaur added 35 runs off 28 balls to her tally, including hitting 5 boundaries, bringing her total runs in T20Is to 3346. This milestone not only added to her impressive career statistics but also pushed her to become the third-highest run-scorer overall in WT20I history, surpassing Stefanie Taylor.
In the current rankings of the most runs in Women’s T20 International cricket, Suzie Bates leads with an impressive 4231 runs in 154 innings, followed by Meg Lanning with 3405 runs in 121 innings. Harmanpreet Kaur has now moved up to the third position with 3346 runs in 150 innings, surpassing Stafanie Taylor, who has accumulated 3338 runs in 118 innings. Smriti Mandhana rounds out the top five with 3220 runs in 129 innings.
Most runs in WT20Is:
Suzie Bates – 154 innings, 4231 runs
Meg Lanning – 121 innings, 3405 runs
Harmanpreet Kaur – 150 innings, 3346 runs
Stafanie Taylor – 118 innings, 3338 runs
Smriti Mandhana – 129 innings, 3220 runs