Harmanpreet Kaur in action (Source: AFP Photos)
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match between India and West Indies is currently underway at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, have made 179/8 after coming to bat first, with Bharti Fulmali top-scoring with a 40-ball 56 not out.
However, captain Harmanpreet did not come to bat for India women, and in her absence, Smriti Mandhana walked into the middle for the coin toss.
Why Harmanpreet Kaur Is Not Playing India Vs West Indies?
India got off to an excellent start with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana both scoring 25 or more runs. Coming at No. 3, Jemimah Rodrigues failed to make an impact, as she could only manage a run-a-ball 7.
However, wicket-keeper Yastika Bhatia and Bharti Fulmali did not show any mercy to the West Indies bowlers. While Yastika made 36 off 26 balls with the help of six fours, Bharti hit six fours and a six for her exceptional knock.
Surprisingly, Harmanpreet did not come to bat. In fact, she did not take the field when India came to defend the total, with Mandhana leading the charge.
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The reason Harmanpreet did not play in India vs West Indies was that she wanted to see how her troops would perform. That would help her make a strong playing XI as India begins its main journey in the T20 World Cup 2026 for women.
A Look At Harmanpreet Kaur T20I Numbers
A veteran of many memorable cricket moments for India, Harmanpreet Kaur has now turned 37. So far, she has played 197 T20Is for India and has scored 4075 runs. Only Smriti Mandhana has more T20I runs (4333) than her.
Harmanpreet averages 30.18 in T20Is, and has also made 17 half-centuries and 1 hundred. In the ODIs, she has 4541 runs after 164 ODIs, averaging 37.22.
Harmanpreet’s most remarkable knock, irrespective of formats, will forever remain the famous 171 not out. It came during the second semi-final between India and Australia during the Women’s ODI World Cup 2017.
Riding on her heroics, India women won that match which was reduced to a 42-over per side. Unfortunately, the glory did not come in the final, as England sealed the deal.
India's Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Roadmap
Harmanpreet Kaur’s India are pooled into Group A in Women's T20 World Cup 2026, along with Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. They will face arch-rivals Pakistan on June 14 to kick off the proceedings.
After that, India will play against the Netherlands, South Africa, Bangladesh and Australia on June 17, 21, 25 and 28, respectively.
Once the group stage is over, two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for June 30 and July 2. The final, meanwhile, will take place on July 5 at the Lord’s.
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