Harmanpreet Kaur surpasses Mithali Raj to top India's T20 WC run charts
Birmingham, June 14
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name in history books as she surpassed former captain Mithali Raj to become India's highest run getter in the Women's T20 World Cup.
She achieved this feat during her side's T20 WC opener against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday in Birmingham.
Kaur now sits at the top of the charts for India Women in T20 World Cups with 762 runs, followed by Mithali Raj (726), Smriti Mandhana (592), Jemimah Rodrigues (408), and Punam Raut (375).
She achieved this record in 40 matches and 34 innings. She also surpassed Australia's Beth Mooney to become the 9th-highest run scorer in Women's T20 World Cup history.
Coming in at a difficult moment with India reduced to 18/2, Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings with a composed 36 off 35 balls, striking four boundaries. She then anchored a crucial 91-run stand off 63 balls with Smriti Mandhana for the third wicket, helping rebuild the innings and shift momentum.
Her efforts, combined with a fluent fifty from Smriti Mandhana and a late blitz from Richa Ghosh, powered India to 170/6 in their 20 overs against their arch-rivals in the tournament opener.
Pakistan's skipper Fatima Sana returned impressive bowling figures of 2/33 in 4 overs. Sadia Iqbal also claimed two wickets but went for 41 runs as Rameen Shamim and Tasmia Rubab took a wicket apiece.
Pakistan will need 171 runs to down India and get their World Cup campaign off with a win.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great achievement! But let's not forget Mithali Raj's contribution to Indian women's cricket. She laid the foundation. Harmanpreet is now taking it forward. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues also doing well. Hope we win the World Cup this time! 🏆
While Harmanpreet's record is impressive, I feel she could have been more aggressive against Pakistan. 36 off 35 balls is decent but not match-winning. Still, she steadied the ship when we needed it. Let's hope for better strike rotation in the next matches. 🇮🇳
What a moment for Indian cricket! Harmanpreet Kaur is a superstar. And Smriti Mandhana's fifty was a treat to watch. 170 is a strong total against Pakistan. Bowlers need to step up now. Come on India! 💪
This is amazing! But I wish the BCCI and media would give women's cricket more attention. Harmanpreet, Smriti, and Richa Ghosh are such talented players. They deserve the same hype as the men's team. Respect to Mithali Raj too for being the pioneer. 🌟
Fantastic knock under pressure! 18/2 after 2 overs is no joke, but Harmanpreet and Smriti showed great character. The 91-run partnership was the turning point. Richa Ghosh's cameo at the end was the icing on the cake. Pakistan will find 170 tough to chase. 🔥
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