When I got my chance today, I utilized it: Harmanpreet Kaur

Indian middle-order batter Harmanpreet Kaur set the stage on fire in the big semi-final clash of the ongoing edition of the ICC Women’s World Cup. India Women were up against the mighty Australian side in the penultimate game of the tournament. Interestingly, the only side that had managed to beat the women in blue during the league stages in the tournament was Australia Women.

Hence, the stakes were bound to be high and the pressure was on the Indian side going into the game. The team was in a spot of bother with runs not flowing easily and two wicket down with 35 runs on the board. Harmanpreet Kaur then joined skipper Mithali Raj at the crease to steady the sinking ship. She settled in with a calm fifty of 64 balls and then hit out at the Aussie bowlers.

She hammered 100 runs in the next 43 balls that she faced. Kaur finished with an unbeaten 171 off just 115 balls with 20 fours and 7 sixes. Her whirlwind knock helped team India register 281/4 in their stipulated 42 overs. She received praises from all corners for her superlative knock. Talking about her knock in the mid innings break, she conceded that she finally got a chance in the tournament to cut loose. Hence, she latched on to the opportunity.

“I didn’t get to chance in the whole tournament, but today when I got my chance, I utilised my chance and thanks to God. Mithali and Veda also scored really well. I was watching the ball and hitting it well. I found my areas and executed it to perfection. I was hitting the ball and told Deepti to give the strike. She pretty much did it. They are a good side, still we need to focus well on our bowling,” quoted Harmanpreet Kaur.

Optimistic for the win

Speaking further, she noted that the Australian team is a strong outfit. However, if the Indian bowlers bowl well in the powerplay, they can beat the opposition. She also spoke about the heated moment that took place when she had almost ran herself out on 99 in the game after a miscommunication with Deepti Sharma.

“If we can bowl well in our powerplay we can fancy our chances. It was in the heat of the moment thing (speaking about the nearly-chaotic run when she completed her 100). We were going well. I didn’t want to lose the wicket and I didn’t want her to lose her wicket as well. I got angry and then I apologised to her. It’s all fine now,” she conceded further.