Struggling with indifferent form, Harman ticks important box with a statement knock

On Thursday at Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium, Jemimah Rodrigues surprised Australia by raising her game to a level never seen before, but they had a familiar foe in Harmanpreet Kaur.

- Sanjjeev K Samyal [e-mail]

Every time she steps on the field, no opponent can breathe easy. That is a reputation built on the strength of playing many matchwinning innings against the odds.

She has been a vital cog for India in a number of knockouts against Australia. Who can ever forget her epic 171* in India's 2017 semifinal win at Derby?

Eight years on, in another World Cup semifinal against Oz, Harmanpreet once again dug deep to summon a knock of substance. With Jemimah playing an inspired innings, the experienced batter played her part when India needed it the most, producing a high tempo 88-ball 89 to play a critical role in hosts' five-wicket victory. The legend of Harmanpreet was formed in Derby in 2017, it grew further in 2025 at Navi Mumbai.

It was a performance which showed why she is considered a big match player. She had a relatively quiet World Cup so far. Except for an innings of 70 (vs England), she didn't have much to show for. But when her team was down in a chase of 339, the famous Harmanpreet temperament came to the fore.