Harmanpreet Kaur has issued a blunt response to England cricketer-turned-commentator Nasser Hussain’s remark on her unfortunate run-out during February 23’s T20WC semi-final clash against the Kangaroos.
Team India skipper’s 34-ball-52 kept India Women in the hunt for a major part of the chase as she helped her side rebuild after being reduced to 28 for 3 inside the first 4 overs itself.
The right-hander stitched 69 run partnership with Rodrigues (43 off 24) and then did the bulk of the run-scoring in a 36-run 5th wicket stand with Richa Ghosh.
Harmanpreet Kaur, however, was run-out at a crucial stage of the T20WC semi-final with Australia. The five-time champions pounced on the chance, going on to win the match by 5 runs.
Harmanpreet Kaur slams Nasser Hussain for his comments on her run-out
The Women in Blue looked set for a rare win against the Kangaroos, needing just 41 off 33 with 6 wickets still in hands.
However, during the 15th over bowled by Wareham, Harman smacked a ball to the mid-wicket region and set off for a double she couldn’t complete.
Notably, there was enough time for Harmanpreet Kaur to get back into the crease but the batter was slow for the second run and then, in an unfortunate incident, her bat got stuck in the turf as she tried to drag it inside the crease.
Her dismissal provided Australia Women an opening that Lanning’s side pounced on to eventually win the semi-final by 5 runs.
On-air commentator Nasser Hussain criticized Kaur for her lack of awareness for her downfall, deeming it a schoolgirl’s error. Kaur was made aware of his comments upon which she issued a blunt response.
“He [Nasser] said that? (Raises eyebrows). I don’t know. That is his way of thinking, but sometimes it happens. I have seen many times in cricket when batters are taking a single like that, and the bat gets stuck there”.
“I think it was unlucky, but I don’t think it was a mistake by a schoolgirl. We are mature enough, we are playing international cricket and whatever he said, that’s his thinking. I don’t think it was like that,” Harmanpreet Kaur reinforced.
She also lamented the side’s substandard fielding and bowling that allowed Meg Lanning and co. to put 172 runs on the board.
Following her dismissal, Harman was seen throwing her bat in frustration on her way to the dugout. The skipper then sat there, covered in tears, watching Team India fail to cross the line against the mighty Kangaroos for the umpteenth time.