Harmanpreet Kaur Sets T20I Captaincy Record with 3,000 Runs

Harmanpreet Kaur Achieves Milestone

Indian cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur has reached a significant milestone by scoring over 3,000 runs in T20I matches as a captain, making her the leading run-scorer in this format.

This achievement occurred during the third T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg, where she scored 66 runs off 38 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes with an impressive strike rate of 173.68. As a captain, she has accumulated a total of 3,017 runs across 138 matches and 125 innings, maintaining an average of 32.79. Her closest competitor is Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu, who has 3,016 runs from 108 matches and 107 innings at an average of 30.16, including three centuries and 14 fifties.

In the broader context of women's T20I cricket, Harmanpreet ranks as the third-highest run-scorer, with 3,947 runs in 193 matches and 172 innings, averaging 29.90 and boasting a strike rate of nearly 110, along with one century and 16 fifties.

During the ongoing series against South Africa, which India has lost 3-0 with two matches remaining, Harmanpreet has scored 125 runs at an average of 62.50 and a strike rate exceeding 156, including one fifty.

Match Summary: SA vs IND - Third T20I

In the third T20I match, South Africa won the toss and chose to field first. Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma both contributed significantly, with Harmanpreet scoring 66 runs off 38 balls and Shafali adding 64 runs off 46 balls. This partnership helped India reach a total of 192 runs for 4 wickets in their 20 overs. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 2 wickets for 31 runs.

However, South Africa's captain Laura Woolvardt delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 115 runs off just 53 balls, supported by Sune Luus, who scored an unbeaten 64 runs off 42 balls. This strong batting display led South Africa to a convincing nine-wicket victory, finishing the match with 21 balls to spare.