Canberra witnessed history on February 19 as Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur shattered records by playing her 356th international match, eclipsing Suzie Bates’ long-standing mark of 355. The second T20I against Australia at Manuka Oval marked this extraordinary achievement.
Now the undisputed leader in women’s international appearances, Kaur outpaces Ellyse Perry’s 349 and Mithali Raj’s 333. Charlotte Edwards rounds out the top five with 309 games. Since her debut in 2009, Harmanpreet has amassed experience across formats: 6 Tests, 161 ODIs, and 189 T20Is.
Her trophy cabinet boasts India’s maiden ODI World Cup in 2025 and a gritty T20I series victory over England. The Padma Shri award this month underscores her impact beyond the boundary.
Reflecting on the Sydney opener, Australia’s innings folded dramatically at 133 in 18 overs. Wareham’s 30 (19 balls, 4 fours) and Litchfield’s 26 were bright spots in a dismal batting display. Reddy’s 4-fer dismantled the hosts, with Charani and Thakur chipping in crucially.
India’s chase was swift and rain-shortened. Verma blazed 21 in quick time, Mandhana anchored with 16 not out, securing a 21-run DLS win. This result propelled India into the lead, setting up an intriguing series decider.
As Kaur continues to redefine excellence, her record-breaking journey symbolizes resilience and dedication, fueling India’s ambition in women’s cricket.