Former India captain Harmanpreet Kaur broke down in tears after her unbeaten 91 against Zimbabwe in the third T20I on Tuesday, helping India complete a 3-0 series sweep.
It has been a difficult couple of months for Harmanpreet, who stepped down as India's captain across formats ahead of the home T20I series against Zimbabwe, with Smriti Mandhana taking over the leadership role. The 37-year-old had not scored a half-century in her previous 10 matches and also struggled with the bat at the Women's T20 Asia Cup and the Asian Games, where she last captained India. Despite her individual struggles, India won both tournaments comfortably. Her recent form had also drawn criticism on social media, with some users calling for her to retire.
Harmanpreet responded in style against Zimbabwe, producing a match-winning knock that left her emotional after the innings. Speaking to former India women's head coach WV Raman, she credited his advice for helping her focus on enjoying her cricket. “I just wanted to enjoy myself, just wanted to bat as long as possible, and glad that I was able to do that. I think I should give credit to you also,” she said.
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“The moment we came, you stepped in and you said, ‘Now you do what you want to do,' and that's what I want to do, and really want to enjoy myself. Thanks for those words.”
Coming in at No. 4 in the eighth over, Harmanpreet initially took time to settle, managing just one boundary off her first 12 deliveries. She then shifted gears, smashing 20 runs off a Kudzai Chigora over with two fours and two sixes. She continued her assault to finish unbeaten on 91 off 41 balls, hitting 10 fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 221.95. Harmanpreet also credited her batting coach, Himanshu, for her performance.
“After the Asian Games, I got some time in the nets. I really want to thank Himanshu bhaiya, who's been working really hard on me, and today's batting was all him,” she said.
Asked whether she felt under pressure following her recent struggles and the change in captaincy, Harmanpreet said her focus was now on enjoying herself on the field.
“I don't think there is any pressure anymore. I think now it's all about enjoying myself on the field, and I think that's what I want to do,” she said at the post-match presentation.
“I definitely enjoy myself in the middle, and this is what I'm here for. I just want to enjoy my batting, and good that those runs came.”
India won Tuesday's match by 92 runs to complete a 3-0 series sweep, with Harmanpreet's unbeaten 91 providing a memorable highlight.
