Johannesburg: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name in the record books by becoming the highest run-scorer as a captain in Women’s T20 Internationals, even as India suffered a heavy defeat against South Africa in the third T20I.
Harmanpreet reached the milestone during her impressive knock of 66 off 38 balls, which included seven boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 173.68. With this, she surpassed Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu to become the leading run-scorer as a captain in the format.
The Indian skipper now has 3,017 runs in 138 matches and 125 innings as captain at an average of 32.79, including one century and 14 half-centuries. Athapaththu follows closely with 3,016 runs.
Overall, Harmanpreet is the third-highest run-getter in women’s T20Is, with 3,947 runs in 193 matches at an average of 29.90.
In the ongoing series in South Africa, she has been among the standout performers for India, scoring 125 runs in three matches at an average of 62.50 and a strike rate exceeding 156.
In the match, South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first. Half-centuries from Harmanpreet and Shafali Verma (64 off 46 balls) powered India to a strong total of 192 for 4 in 20 overs. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts with figures of 2 for 31.
However, South Africa chased down the target comfortably, thanks to a sensational unbeaten 115 off 53 balls from captain Laura Wolvaardt and a steady 64 not out from Sune Luus. The hosts secured a dominant nine-wicket victory with 21 balls to spare.
India has now lost the series 3-0, with two matches still remaining.
