Cricket Rewind: March 8 – Harmanpreet Kaur: A Star is Born on Women’s Day to Break Barriers in Cricket

If Mithali Raj laid the foundation for women's cricket in India, then Harmanpreet Kaur came in like a wrecking ball—smashing records, breaking barriers, and ensuring the world took notice. Born on March 8, 1989, in Moga, Punjab, Harmanpreet's journey from a cricket-loving girl to a global icon is nothing short of inspiring.​

Early Life and Introduction to Cricket

Harmanpreet Kaur was born to Harmandar Singh Bhullar, a former cricketer, and Satwinder Kaur, a homemaker. Her father introduced her to cricket, and she honed her skills by playing alongside boys at the Gian Jyoti School Academy, 30 kilometers from her home in Moga. Her dedication paid off when she led her team to victory in the national school championship during the 2006/07 season. ​

International Debut and Rise to Prominence

At 20, Harmanpreet made her One Day International (ODI) debut against Pakistan in March 2009. She quickly established herself as a key player, known for her aggressive batting and handy off-spin bowling. In June 2016, she became the first Indian woman cricketer to be signed by an overseas T20 franchise, joining Sydney Thunder in Australia's Women's Big Bash League. ​

Historic 2017 World Cup Semifinal

The 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup semifinal against Australia remains a defining moment in Harmanpreet's career. Coming in when India was under pressure, she played an extraordinary knock, scoring an unbeaten 171 off 115 balls. This innings included 20 boundaries and seven sixes, showcasing her dominance and redefining women's power-hitting. Her performance led India to a 36-run victory, propelling them into the final. ​

Breaking More Records

Harmanpreet's impact didn't stop at the World Cup. In November 2018, she scored an explosive 103 runs off 51 balls against New Zealand in the Women's World Twenty20, becoming the first Indian woman to score a T20I century. She finished the tournament as India's top run-scorer with 183 runs in five matches. ​

Leadership and Continued Excellence

In January 2020, Harmanpreet was appointed captain of India's squad for the 2020 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Australia. Under her leadership, India reached the final, though they narrowly lost to Australia. Her captaincy and consistent performances have solidified her status as one of the premier all-rounders in women's cricket. ​

Legacy and Ongoing Influence

Harmanpreet Kaur's journey from Moga to international stardom has been marked by groundbreaking achievements that have inspired countless young cricketers, especially women. She has proven that women can dominate the game just as fiercely as men, continually challenging perceptions and setting new standards for future generations. Her unyielding passion for cricket ensures that her story will inspire for years to come.​