The ICC Women’s World Cup final on Thursday witnessed a superb play by all-rounder, Harmanpreet Kaur, when she struck an unbeaten 171 and stunned Australia by 36 runs.
Harmanpreet smashed 20 fours and seven sixes in a whirlwind innings of 115 deliveries and helped India to overcome a slow start and amass 281/4 in 42 overs.
Indian pace bowlers Jhulan Goswami and Shikha Pandey then led the show on the field before the champions were 245 all out in 40.1 overs, avoiding a big defeat thanks to a last-gasp 90 by Alex Blackwell.
Blackwell shared a 76-run partnership with Beams for Kristen Beams for Australia’s final wicket.
Mithali Raj’s side will face England in the final to be played at the Lord’s on Sunday. India will vie for the title a second time
Harmanpreet Kaur played the innings remarkably well after India, having elected to bat, made a slow start. She played herself in before smashing Australia to all parts, hitting big sixes and cashing in towards the end as she was fed full tosses to hole out in the deep.
India lost openers Smriti Mandhana and Punam Raut within the first 10 overs. However, Mithali and Harmanpreet got together in a 66-run stand to steady the innings.
Harmanpreet held on and picked up pace to dismantle the Australian bowling, while Mithali fell for 36.
Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli among others applauded the excellent game played by Harmanpreet.
Brilliant finish by the #WomenInBlue! The pic says it all! Here we come Lord's! My best wishes for the final against England #AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/WPNLsLFhuE
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 20, 2017
What an innings by @ImHarmanpreet and a brilliant effort by the bowlers also so far.. #INDvAUS @BCCIWomen #ICCWomensWorldCup2017
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 20, 2017
Harmanpreet completed her century from 90 balls, and added 71 runs from her next 25 deliveries. Afterwards, she raised a 137-run fourth-wicket partnership with Deepti Sharma, who scored 25.
