Amidst a global pandemic, it’s always good to smile and keep oneself positive. What better for cricket and cricket-loving fans could be then the rise of women’s cricket in recent times. In a recent interaction, Mohammed Kaif has reiterated the same. According to NDTV sports, he terms the upward trend of the game, in the past three years, as “phenomenal rise”.
He feels that the game has grown manifold after the 171 storm from Harmanpreet in the semi-final of the 50-over Women’s World Cup in 2017. Interestingly, today i.e. 20th July of 2020 marks the third year anniversary of the marvelous knock from one of India’s best. Kaur had smashed 171 off just 115 deliveries. The all-important match was against Australia at the County Ground in Derby and Harmanpreet guided the Indian side to the final of the tournament.
He went on Twitter and Tweeted “Three years back, on this day, Harmanpreet Kaur hit 171* (115) v Australia in World Cup semi-final. Quality innings under pressure. The rise of Indian women’s cricket in the past three years has been phenomenal @ImHarmanpreet”. Fans shall remember the encounter for the action and happenings it got surrounded with.
Three years back, on this day, Harmanpreet Kaur hit 171*(115) v Australia in World Cup semi-final. Quality innings under pressure. The rise of Indian women’s cricket in the past three years has been phenomenal @ImHarmanpreet pic.twitter.com/6fy8IqvLNX
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 20, 2020
The match was affected by rain and each side could get only 42 legal overs to swing their bats. India, led by Mithali Raj, chose to bat first. After the first ten overs, India could not have wished for something more unsettling. The scoreboard said 35 for 2 off 10 overs. Faces of India’s top order were gone without touching even 20. On the crease, we had India’s most experienced players. Mithali was joined by Harmanpreet. The partnership of both ace batters went on for 66 more runs when Mithali was dismissed in the 25th over.
The next batter on the field was Deepti. Both the Indians got on a roll and collected 137 runs for India. Harmanpreet amassed 20 fours and seven maximums. Indian score was 281 after the completion of 42 overs. Deepti, again, proved handy with the ball and India defended the total. Aussies were bowled out for 245. The vital match was won and India was through to the finals.
This was perhaps one of the few moments where India got the better of their side and took a firm grip over the nerves. When we relive the highlights of stylish shots from Harmanpreet, we must remember that a world cup is still waiting to arrive in India with ladies holding it.
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