Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Grace Harris line up for unique WBBL record

Melbourne: Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Grace Harris rewrote the record books on a high-scoring day at the Women’s Big Bash League 4.

All three batters made record half-centuries for their teams on Sunday. First, Mandhana, the India opener, took 24 balls to get to her fifty to set up a win for Hobart Hurricanes.

Then, Kaur, her India Twenty20 International captain, did one better for Sydney Thunder against Brisbane Heat, getting there in 23 balls, before Harris replied with a 26-ball effort in the chase.

All three were the quickest fifties ever for their teams. The Indians’ knocks stood second and third on the all-time list.

The overall record belongs jointly to Ash Gardner and Lizelle Lee, who both smashed fifties off 22 balls last season. Interestingly, those innings occurred December 9 as well, an ICC report said.

Kaur’s innings included three sixes and six fours, before she fell for 56 off 26 balls. She then rounded off a good day with a superb catch diving forward to send back Harris, and held on to the catch off Heat captain Kirby Short as well, while also pocketing one wicket.

Chasing Thunder’s 192/4, Harris gave her team hope, smashing a remarkable five sixes and four fours before Kaur’s brilliance ended her knock.

Thunder’s total is fourth on the all-time list, behind other December 9 highs, including Hurricanes’ 196/6 on Sunday. (UNI)