CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Former Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur made a strong comeback with a blistering batting display in the third T20 International against Zimbabwe. In the match played in Raipur, she scored an unbeaten 91 off just 41 balls. After the explosive innings, she became emotional and tears welled up during the conversation. Harmanpreet had failed to score a half-century in her previous 10 matches, making this innings especially significant for her.
Harmanpreet Kaur returned to outstanding form after 10 matches. Her innings included 10 fours and five sixes. Scoring at a strike rate of 221.95, she put Zimbabwe’s bowlers under pressure. Her aggressive batting played a key role in taking India to a big total. After a prolonged lean patch, Harmanpreet regained her rhythm and showed that she still has the ability to change the course of big matches.
Opener Shafali Verma also produced an impressive performance in the match. She scored 69 off 37 balls. Powered by the excellent innings from Harmanpreet and Shafali, India posted 216 for seven in the allotted 20 overs. In reply, Zimbabwe could manage only 124 for seven. India won the match by 92 runs and completed a 3-0 clean sweep in the three-match T20 series.
After her innings, Harmanpreet became emotional while recalling the encouragement of former Indian women’s team coach W.V. Raman. She said Raman had advised her to bat in her natural style and enjoy the game. Harmanpreet also credited her batting coach Himanshu Chawla and the coaching staff who supported her during practice. She said she wanted to stay at the crease for a long time and enjoy her batting. The support of the coaches and her practice gave her confidence. During this conversation, she became emotional, and the video went viral on social media.
Harmanpreet had stepped down as India captain in all three formats before the Zimbabwe series. Since then, Smriti Mandhana has been leading the team. After moving away from the responsibility of captaincy, Harmanpreet’s focus is on her batting and enjoying the game. Her innings against Zimbabwe is also an encouraging sign for the Indian team, as her experience and aggressive batting could prove important in the upcoming matches.
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