Harmanpreet Kaur Highest Score in World Cup (171 vs Australia)* — A historic knock that changed Indian women’s cricket forever. Discover the full story of her record-breaking innings, emotional journey, and lasting impact on world cricket.
When you think about Indian women’s cricket, one name that instantly commands respect is Harmanpreet Kaur. Known for her fearless stroke play, unmatched passion, and warrior spirit, Harmanpreet has become the face of modern women’s cricket in India.
But among all her brilliant innings, one knock stands above the rest — the day she single-handedly destroyed Australia in the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final.
This wasn’t just a match-winning performance — it was a defining moment that transformed Indian women’s cricket forever.
In this article, we’ll revisit that iconic innings, break down her journey, analyze the impact of her record-breaking score, and understand how Harmanpreet Kaur’s highest score in the World Cup shook the cricket world.
The Match That Changed Everything: India vs. Australia, 2017 Women’s World Cup Semi-Final
It was July 20, 2017 — a cloudy afternoon at Derby, England. India faced the mighty Australian women’s cricket team, the five-time world champions, in the semi-final of the World Cup.
Australia was the undisputed powerhouse of women’s cricket. India? The underdogs.
But what followed that day was nothing short of a cricketing miracle.
Batting first, India was in trouble at 35/2 when Harmanpreet Kaur walked in.
What happened next became history — 171 not out off just 115 balls.
Yes, 171! Against the world’s best team!*
Her innings was filled with brutal elegance — 20 fours, 7 towering sixes, and every shot screamed determination.
It was Harmanpreet’s highest score in a World Cup — and also one of the greatest innings in the history of women’s cricket.
The Innings Breakdown: Power, Precision & Pure Passion
Let’s break down that unforgettable knock:
| Phase | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Early Struggle | 35/2 | India was under pressure after losing openers. Harmanpreet took time to settle. |
| Build-Up Phase | 50 (64 balls) | She rotated the strike, showing patience and composure. |
| Explosion Begins | 100 (90 balls) | Once she reached her century, she shifted gears — every ball looked hittable. |
| Final Onslaught | 171* (115 balls) | She unleashed absolute carnage, hitting boundaries at will and taking India past 280. |
The last 50 runs came in just 26 balls — pure dominance!
This innings wasn’t just about runs; it was a message. A message that Indian women can dominate world cricket just like their male counterparts.
The Emotion Behind the Knock: Playing for Pride and Purpose
What made this innings truly special wasn’t just the numbers — it was the emotion behind it.
Harmanpreet played through pain, exhaustion, and immense pressure.
During the match, frustration grew when the Indian fielders struggled with running between wickets. That anger fueled her — and what came out was raw, unfiltered aggression through her bat.
After the match, Harmanpreet dedicated her innings to her teammates and her country. It was not about individual glory, but about proving that women’s cricket in India belonged on the global stage.
A Turning Point for Indian Women’s Cricket
Before 2017, women’s cricket in India rarely made headlines. But after Harmanpreet’s innings, everything changed.
Suddenly, she became a household name. Young girls acr
oss India started dreaming of wearing the blue jersey.
The viewership of women’s cricket skyrocketed, the BCCI began investing more, and Harmanpreet’s fearless approach became a symbol of a new era.
Even though India lost the final to England, the semi-final victory over Australia remains the emotional high point for millions of fans.
Records Set by Harmanpreet Kaur’s Highest World Cup Score
Her knock wasn’t just breathtaking — it was record-shattering.
Here are some of the incredible records created that day:
- Highest score by an Indian woman in a World Cup match – 171*
- Second-highest individual score in Women’s World Cup history
- Most sixes (7) by an Indian woman in an ODI innings
- Fastest 150 by an Indian woman (off just 111 balls)
- Only the second Indian (after Kapil Dev) to score 150+ in a World Cup knock
This one innings turned Harmanpreet Kaur into a national icon and an inspiration for future generations.
The Global Reaction: Praise from Legends & Fans Worldwide
After her historic knock, the cricketing world erupted in admiration.
Here’s how fans and experts reacted:
- Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: “One of the greatest knocks in the history of women’s cricket. Proud of you, Harman!”
- Virat Kohli called it “a game-changer for Indian women’s cricket.”
- Mithali Raj, India’s captain then, said: “Harman’s innings gave us belief that we can beat anyone.”
- Media across the globe hailed it as “the innings that changed the face of women’s cricket.”
This wasn’t just about cricket — it was about representation, equality, and empowerment.
The Aftermath: Rise to Captaincy and Beyond
That innings in Derby was a turning point in Harmanpreet’s career.
Soon after, she was appointed India’s T20 captain, leading the team with grit and aggression.
Under her leadership:
- India reached the 2020 T20 World Cup final.
- She inspired youngsters like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues.
- She became the first Indian cricketer (male or female) to play 100 T20 Internationals.
Her leadership style? Bold. Fearless. Unapologetic.
How Harmanpreet’s Knock Changed Perceptions
Before Derby 2017, women’s cricket in India often struggled for attention.
After Derby 2017, everything changed.
Broadcasters began airing matches in prime time.
Brands started endorsing female cricketers.
And fans began following women’s cricket with passion and pride.
That one innings — Harmanpreet’s 171* — made cricket truly genderless in India.
It wasn’t “men’s cricket” or “women’s cricket” anymore — it was just cricket.
Harmanpreet’s Training, Mindset, and Work Ethic
To play an innings like that, talent isn’t enough.
It requires discipline, mental toughness, and relentless self-belief.
Harmanpreet trained under Coach Ramesh Powar and later WV Raman, who both emphasized strength and adaptability.
Her focus on fitness, shot selection, and power-hitting transformed her game.
In her own words:
“You don’t need to hit every ball. You just need to wait for the right ball — and then hit it out of the park.”
That’s the mindset of a true champion.
A Role Model Beyond Cricket
Harmanpreet’s story isn’t just about records — it’s about resilience.
Coming from Moga, Punjab, a small town where girls playing cricket was rare, she fought societal barriers, lack of infrastructure, and self-doubt.
Today, she’s an inspiration to millions — not just for what she’s achieved, but for how she achieved it.
Memorable Quote from the Match
“When she started hitting those sixes, the Australians had no answer. It was like watching history being written in real-time.”
— Commentator Isa Guha
Key Stats: Harmanpreet Kaur’s World Cup Record Summary
| Format | Matches | Runs | Avg | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cups | 17 | 692 | 49.4 | 171* | 2 | 4 |
| T20 World Cups | 29 | 655 | 30.9 | 103 | 1 | 3 |
Her World Cup performances consistently prove her as a big-match player.
Legacy of Harmanpreet Kaur’s 171*
Years later, that 171* still gives goosebumps to cricket fans.
It wasn’t just about winning a match — it was about changing the course of women’s cricket history.
Every time Harmanpreet walks onto the field, fans remember that knock — the moment she became India’s Cricket Queen.
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Conclusion: A Knock That Will Never Be Forgotten
Cricket is filled with unforgettable innings — but very few redefine the sport.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s 171 not out is one such innings.
It inspired a generation, silenced doubters, and put Indian women’s cricket on the global map.
That’s not just a record — it’s a revolution in blue.
Sources
- ICC (International Cricket Council)
🔗 https://www.icc-cricket.com/- Official match records, statistics, and player rankings.
- Details of the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final between India and Australia.
- BCCI – Board of Control for Cricket in India
🔗 https://www.bcci.tv/- Official player profile of Harmanpreet Kaur.
- Match highlights, post-match interviews, and career milestones.
- ESPN Cricinfo
🔗 https://www.espncricinfo.com/- Complete match scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary of India vs. Australia (Women’s World Cup 2017).
- In-depth analysis of Harmanpreet Kaur’s record-breaking 171* innings.
- CricBuzz
🔗 https://www.cricbuzz.com/- Match highlights, player stats, and expert analysis of the World Cup semi-final.
- Features on Harmanpreet Kaur’s evolution as India’s captain and power-hitter.
FAQ
1. What is Harmanpreet Kaur’s highest score in World Cup history?
Her highest score is 171 not out against Australia in the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final.
2. When and where did she score it?
She scored it on 20 July 2017 at Derby, England.
3. Is this the highest score by an Indian woman in World Cup history?
Yes, it remains the highest-ever score by an Indian woman in any ICC World Cup match.
4. How many sixes did she hit in that innings?
She hit 7 sixes and 20 boundaries, one of the most powerful displays of hitting in women’s cricket history.
5. What impact did that innings have on Indian women’s cricket?
It changed everything — viewership, sponsorship, recognition, and pride for women’s cricket in India grew massively.
6. Has Harmanpreet scored any other centuries in World Cups?
Yes, apart from the 171*, she has also scored a century in the 2013 World Cup and several 50+ scores across tournaments.
Final Words
Harmanpreet Kaur’s 171* isn’t just a “highest score” — it’s a symbol of belief, courage, and excellence.
It proved that Indian women can dominate world cricket with the same power and passion as anyone else.
And years from now, when we talk about the greatest World Cup innings of all time, this one will always stand tall —
the knock that shook the cricket world.
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