Harmanpreet Kaur becomes first Indian woman to score T20I century

Image Credits: Twitter/@virendersehwag

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur on Friday became the first Indian woman to score a century in T20 Internationals during the first match of the ICC World T20 2018 against New Zealand. 

Kaur, who opted to bat first after winning the toss, struck 103 runs off 51 deliveries in a knock comprising of seven boundaries and eight sixes, resulting in a competitive total of 194. 

Great innings from @ImHarmanpreet. This is what we expect from the @WorldT20.

All the best to @windieswomen for their game against Bangladesh later tonight. #WT20 — Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) November 9, 2018

The 29-year-old cricketer initially took some time to settle on the pitch, scoring just five runs off the initial 13 deliveries, before accelerating and scoring 96 runs off the next 36 deliveries of her innings. 

Harmanpreet Kaur , wonderful hundred. Great bat swing in a really zordaar innings pic.twitter.com/lTfG5hsSkD — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 9, 2018

Kaur also enjoyed some valuable support from Jemimah Rodrigues, who smashed 59 runs off 45 deliveries in a knock comprising of seven boundaries.

The Kiwis failed to chase down the formidable total despite enjoying a positive start early on, recording a 34-run defeat. 

Both outfits are placed in Group B which also comprises of Ireland, Australia and Pakistan.