NEW DELHI: Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name in the record books with a blistering half-century, becoming the fastest Indian to score fifty in a Women's T20 World Cup.
Displaying her trademark aggressive style, Harmanpreet took the game by storm, reaching the milestone in just 27 balls with the help of eight fours and a six. Her innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as she unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes, putting Sri Lankan bowlers under relentless pressure.
Harmanpreet 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, Harmanpreet 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 favour, as they posted a commanding 172-run total.
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.
Fastest fifties for India in Women’s T20 World Cup (by balls faced)
27 - Harmanpreet Kaur against Sri Lanka, Dubai, 202431 - Smriti Mandhana vs Australia, Guyana, 201832 - Harmanpreet Kaur vs Australia, Cape Town, 202333 - Harmanpeet Kaur vs New Zealand, Guyana, 201836 - Mithali Raj vs Sri Lanka, Basseterre, 2010
With this knock, she 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.
Harmanpreet's 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.
