Harmanpreet Kaur, a force in T20 cricket, is known for her powerful batting and ability to single-handedly win matches. Since her debut in 2009, she has delivered countless unforgettable innings, leaving fans in awe. The following article dives into her top 5 T20 knocks. These performances highlight Harmanpreet’s exceptional talent and the undeniable impact she’s had on the game.
1. 103(51) vs New Zealand, 9th Nov 2018
In a dominant display at the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20, Harmanpreet Kaur led India to a resounding 34-run victory against New Zealand. Batting first after winning the toss, India relied heavily on Kaur’s brilliance. The Indian skipper put up a blistering knock of 103 runs off just 51 balls, including 7 boundaries and 8 sixes. Her innings, played at a strike rate of over 200, powered India to a competitive total of 194/5.
New Zealand’s chase began brightly with Suzie Bates scoring a solid 67, but they lacked partnerships to effectively counter India’s striking target. Harmanpreet’s impact extended beyond her batting as she claimed two crucial catches, dismissing New Zealand’s dangerous batters Sophie Divine and Katey Martin. These timely interventions slowed New Zealand’s momentum and proved crucial in restricting their scoring rate. India’s bowling attack, led by Poonam Yadav’s three wickets for just 33 runs, effectively upset the chase. Dayalan Hemalatha’s three-wicket haul further restricted New Zealand, who eventually fell short by 34 runs, at 160/9.
Harmanpreet’s all-around brilliance, a fine century coupled with sharp fielding, proved key in India’s victory.
2. 77(59) vs Bangladesh, 30th April 2014
Harmanpreet Kaur played a starring role in India’s victory over Bangladesh in the 15th match of the Women’s World T20 at Sylhet on March 30, 2014. India’s batting innings revolved around Kaur’s explosive knock. She smashed a crucial 77 runs off just 59 ball, comprising 12 boundaries and a six. Her knock proved to be the pillar of India’s innings, with other batters like Mithali Raj (41 runs) providing valuable support. India finished at a good 151/5 in their 20 overs.
Bangladesh’s chase faded from the start as they struggled to cope with India’s bowling attack. Harmanpreet’s impact extended beyond her batting, as she fielded with sharp focus. The Indian bowlers, led by the exceptional Jhulan Goswami (3 wickets for 11 runs) and Shubhlakshmi Sharma (3 wickets for 12 runs), shared the spoils. Poonam Yadav chipped in with two crucial wickets, further restricting Bangladesh’s scoring opportunities.
Bangladesh Women were eventually restricted to 72/8 in their 20 overs, falling short of the target by a massive 79 runs. Harmanpreet Kaur’s all-around performance, her aggressive batting display, and her contribution in the field, were instrumental in securing a dominant victory for India.
3. 63(38) vs Sri Lanka, 25th Sept 2018
On September 25th, 2018, Harmanpreet Kaur led India’s victory in the 5th T20I against Sri Lanka at Katunayake. Batting first after Sri Lanka’s decision to field, India got off to a shaky start with the early dismissals of Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj. However, Harmanpreet steadied the innings with a powerful knock of 63 runs off just 38 balls. Her innings comprised of 3 fours and 5 sixes, providing much-needed support for India’s total. While Jemimah Rodrigues chipped in with a well-made 46, Harmanpreet’s aggressive batting formed the support of India’s score of 156 in 18.3 overs.
Sri Lanka’s chase was hampered from the beginning by India’s bowling attack. Their top order collapsed with both captain Chamari Athapaththu and Yasoda Mendis dismissed early on. Anushka Sanjeewani and Shashikala Siriwardene offered some resistance, but it wasn’t to be as Poonam Yadav lead the bowling charge for India, claiming 3 wickets for just 18 runs in her 4 overs. Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav chipped in with 2 wickets each, dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting line-up. Sri Lanka were eventually bundled out for 105 runs in 17.4 overs, falling short of the target by a massive 51 runs.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s brilliance, both with the bat and in the field, proved to be the defining factor in India’s convincing victory.
4. 56(35) vs West Indies, 23rd Jan 2023
On January 23rd, 2023, in East London, Harmanpreet Kaur played a crucial role in leading India to victory against West Indies. Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 167/2 on the board. While Smriti Mandhana’s unbeaten knock of 74 runs off 51 balls was memorable, but Harmanpreet Kaur’s contribution added a much-needed boost to India’s total. Her unbeaten 56 runs off just 35 balls provided a vital push towards a strong total. The duo combined for an unbeaten 103-run partnership, taking the attack to the West Indies bowlers.
West Indies’ chase was weakened from the start. Despite a strong 47 runs from Shemaine Campbelle and 34 runs by Hayley Matthews, West Indies could only reach a total of 111/4 in their 20 overs. Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav unsettled the West Indies’ chase with their economical bowling spells. Deepti picked up 2 wickets for 29 runs, while Radha conceded 10 runs in her 4 overs and claimed the crucial wicket of Shemaine Campbelle.
While Smriti Mandhana’s Player of the Match performance was undeniable, Harmanpreet Kaur’s knock and her unbeaten partnership were instrumental in setting the stage for India’s convincing victory.
5. 46(31) vs Australia, 26th Jan 2016
India’s tour of Australia unfolded on January 26th, 2016, in the 1st T20I at Adelaide. Opting to field first, India restricted Australia to a total of 140/5. While Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy provided stability at the top with scores of 36 and 41* respectively, Poonam Yadav’s two wickets for just 26 runs in her four overs kept the pressure on. Jhulan Goswami also chipped in with a crucial wicket of Grace Harris.
Chasing a decent target of 140, India’s chase mirrored Australia’s innings in terms of scoreline but unfolded at a much quicker pace. Harmanpreet Kaur, batting at number four, fastened the chase with a well-composed 46 runs off just 31 balls. Her innings ensured India stayed ahead of the required run rate. Contributions from Smriti Mandhana (29) and Veda Krishnamurthy (35) provided valuable support. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, India, led by Harmanpreet’s well calculated and composed knock, crossed the finish line in 18.4 overs, winning the match by 5 wickets.
Harmanpreet Kaur bagged the Player of the Match performance, her knock ensured India chased down the target with minimal worry, setting the tone for a promising start to the tour.
