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Harmanpreet Kaur smashes record-breaking 171*, India set Australia 282 in 42 overs in semi-final 2 of ICC Women’s World Cup 2017

India were powered to 281 in 42 overs thanks to a 137-run stand between Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma.

© Getty Images
Harmanpreet Kaur scored her 3rd ODI hundred © Getty Images

After a long rain delay of about 3 hours, India and Australia came on the field to start their battle for the final spot in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2017. Winning a crucial toss, Mithali Raj asked her girls to bat first and put Australia under pressure. It was Harmanpreet Kaur who responded to her skipper’ call and struck an outstanding hundred that saw India reach 281 for 4. Harmanpreet remained unbeaten on 171* that included 20 fours and 7 massive sixes. Live Cricket Score, IND vs AUS, WWC17, semi-final 2

Ever since her second ODI ton, Smriti Mandhana’s form has dipped quite drastically. 2, 8, 4, 3, 13 were her string of runs before this match, and yet again she failed to live up to the team’s expectations. After a boundary on the second ball, Smriti (6) ended up playing a very ugly looking pull that found the top of her bat and went straight into the hands of Ellyse Villani.

It was now up to leading run scorer in Women’s ODI cricket, Mithali to get her side out of a hole along with Punam Raut. The pair ensured India go past the first power play without much casualty. Leigh Gardner halted India’s march in her first over itself, nabbing Punam for 14. She was looking to hoick the ball over mid-wicket when she ended up gifting a simple catch to Beth Mooney.

Mithali and Harmanpreet Kaur brought calmness in the middle without taking any risk. The pair added 35 runs in 10.2 overs. With time in the middle, Harmanpreet started to take the attack to the opposition. She contributed heavily in the 50-run stand along with Mithali in 76 balls.

This was also the pair’s 12th 50+ run stand; one shy of Mithali and Anjum Chopra (13).

Mithali was lucky to be dropped on 34, but her stay was short-lived as she was bowled on the very next delivery. A quicker ball from Kristen Beam resulted in Mithali’s downfall as she went for a cut only to miss it.

Deepti Sharma came out in the middle to provide some much needed fireworks. Harmanpreet brought up her 10th ODI half-century in 64 balls with a pull off Kristen; second in a row. Once passing the landmark, Harmanpreet ensured there was no stopping her onslaught.

She reached her third hundred in 90 balls; second in World Cups by taking a quick double. She surpassed Mithali’s high score of 109* runs to become the highest scorer for India in World Cup. Harmanpreet smoked 22 runs off Leigh eight over to take India over the 200-run mark. The pair added 100 runs in just 72 balls.

Harmanpreet became the second player to score a 100 in a World Cup knockout; first was Karen Rolton (107*).  Alyss Villani finally managed to bring some happiness for her side, getting Deepti Sharma bowled for 25 and also bringing an end to the 137 run partnership.

Harmanpreet reached her 150th run in 107 deliveries. Veda Krishnamurthy provided the perfect foil to Harmanpreet adding 43 runs for the fifth wicket.

Earlier in the day, India named an unchanged XI from their win over New Zealand, while Australia brought in Meg Lanning for Rachel Haynes.

Brief scores:

India 281 for 4 in 42 overs  (Harmanpreet Kaur 171*, Mithali Raj 36; Kristen Beams 1 for 49 ) vs Australia

 

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