In a tournament dominated by the stellar performances of New Zealand and South Africa, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur has emerged as a standout talent, earning her place in the prestigious Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Team of the Tournament.
The recently concluded Women’s T20 World Cup saw New Zealand clinch their first-ever title, defeating South Africa by 32 runs in a thrilling final on Sunday. While the final spotlight shone brightly on the finalists, India’s journey fell short of expectations as the team exited before reaching the semifinals. However, amidst the broader disappointments, Harmanpreet Kaur’s exceptional batting performances for the Women in Blue have not gone unnoticed.
Kaur finished the tournament as India’s leading run-scorer and secured the fourth-highest run tally overall, amassing an impressive 150 runs across four innings. Her consistency was evident, with two half-centuries underpinning her remarkable average of 150. Additionally, her strike rate of 133.92 placed her among the top five batters in the competition, underscoring her ability to accelerate the innings when it mattered most.
One of Kaur’s most memorable performances came against Sri Lanka, where she unleashed a blistering 52 off just 27 balls. This quick-fire innings was instrumental in keeping India’s hopes alive for a semifinal berth, showcasing her prowess as a match-winner under pressure.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the Team of the Tournament on Monday, featuring a lineup predominantly from the finalists. New Zealand secured three spots in the honorary squad, including 12th player Eden Carson, while South Africa also contributed three members. Among the selected players, Kaur stands out not only for her individual brilliance but also as a beacon of resilience for Indian cricket.
The complete Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Team of the Tournament includes:
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa, Captain)
- Tazmin Brits (South Africa)
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England)
- Melie Kerr (New Zealand)
- Harmanpreet Kaur (India)
- Deandra Dottin (West Indies)
- Nigar Sultana Joty (Bangladesh, WK)
- Afy Fletcher (West Indies)
- Rosemary Mair (New Zealand)
- Nonkululeko Mlaba (South Africa)
- Megan Schutt (Australia)
Kaur’s inclusion in this elite team not only highlights her individual excellence but also serves as a testament to her leadership and tenacity on the field. “I am incredibly honored to be named in the Team of the Tournament,” Kaur remarked post-announcement. “This achievement is a reflection of the hard work and support from my team and coaching staff. We may not have reached the semifinals, but I’m proud of our efforts and look forward to building on this performance for future tournaments.”
As Indian cricket fans celebrate Kaur’s recognition, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the team’s prospects in upcoming international fixtures. Harmanpreet Kaur’s stellar performances have undoubtedly set a high standard and provided a solid foundation for India’s women’s team to aspire to in future competitions.
