OTD: Harmanpreet Kaur slams record-breaking 171 against Australia

July 20 marks eight years since India Women secured their berth in the final of the Women’s World Cup with a 36-run win against Australia Women in the second semi-final of the tournament. Harmanpreet Kaur was the star of the show, as her record 171-run knock off 115 deliveries etched her name in the folklore.

On a track on which most batters struggled to get going, Harmanpreet took the mantle in her hands and played the innings of a lifetime. Her blazing knock comprised of 20 fours and seven sixes. In fact, the majority of Harmanpreet’s runs came via boundaries (122 – 80 from fours and 42 from sixes). It was one of the most significant innings played by a batter in a women’s cricket.

What made Harmanpreet’s innings special was the way she carried herself along in the middle despite suffering from a wave of physical injuries. She also had not been in the best of forms leading up to the semi-final contest.

She was majorly responsible for India scoring 126 in the final 10 overs. The game started off with the match being reduced to 42-overs-a-side contest due to rain hampering the start of proceedings in Derby. To put the value of Harmanpreet’s knock into context, the second-highest score from the Indian unit was 36 off 61 by Mithali Raj.

Harmanpreet’s blistering outing provided just the impetus Mithali’s team needed going into the break. India were able to hang on despite a century-stand between Ellyse Perry and Elyse Villani and then a surge from Alex Blackwell to qualify for the all-important final. Harmanpreet’s time at the crease showcased the relentless determination she possessed to fight for her team under challenging conditions.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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