After smashing a devastating 171* (115 balls) which included 20 fours and 7 sixes, Harmanpreet had already written the fate of six-time world champions, Australia in the semi-finals of ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 on Thursday. Chasing a target of 282 runs, Australians were only able to make 245 runs and hence, lost to India by 36 runs.
Winning the toss, India decided to bat first. Smriti Mandhana continuing her bad form got dismissed early making just 6 runs off 6 balls. Punam Raut(14 off 26 balls) also found her way to pavilion after a while. Harmanpreet Kaur showed an excellent performance smashing 171* in just 115 balls along with the skipper Mithali Raj(36 off 61) and led India to a challenging score of 281 runs.
Australia while chasing was only able to make 245 runs. The three early wickets caused a problem for them. Though Ellyse Perry(38 off 56 balls), Elyse Villani(75 off 58 balls) and Alex Blackwell(90 off 58 balls) tried their best to lead Australia to victory, it was too late for them to make a difference.
India has now entered the finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 and will now play against England on Sunday at Lord’s.