Poonam Yadav reveals how Harmanpreet helped her stage a comeback
Indian leg-spinner Poonam Yadav highlighted skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's role in her remarkable run in the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup. With nine wickets, the 28-year-old is the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with Australia's Megan Schutt. Team India recently qualified for its maiden final of the T20 World Cup history after the semi-final against England got washed out. Here's more.
Harmanpreet has been of immense support: Poonam Yadav
"Harmanpreet has been of immense support. When I got hit for a six in the first over, she came to me and said, 'Poonam, you're one of the most experienced players in the team, and we expect better of you'," Poonam said.
Poonam was all guns blazing after getting struck for six
Poonam opened up about the particular incident that took place against Australia in the tournament opener. She was hammered for six by Australia's Alyssa Healy on the fourth delivery of her first over. The Australian batswoman was removed by her on the very next ball. Poonam later spun India to victory, taking a four-for in the low-scoring thriller.
Poonam hasn't looked back after the first match
The Indian leggie has been a vital cog in the Indian setup throughout the tournament. Her three-wicket spell paved the way for India against Bangladesh as well in the second game. She provided India crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs as Bangladesh fell short of 18 runs to win the match. Poonam also scalped one wicket apiece against New Zealand and Sri Lanka respectively.
Poonam is nearing the 30-wicket mark in the tournament's history
With 27 wickets in 17 innings at 13.22, Poonam Yadav is India's leading wicket-taker in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup history. Overall, she is also the second highest wicket-taker (among spinners) after West Indies' Stafanie Taylor (33 wickets in 27 innings).
India will take on Australia in the World Cup final
India would feature in their first ever final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup against Australia. They were unbeaten in the pre-playoff stage, having defeated Australia, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. India would want their most experienced bowler Poonam Yadav to shine against the Aussies. The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the final on March 8.
