Harmanpreet Kaur takes one-handed stunner to deny Stafanie Taylor a century

Harmanpreet Kaur has started the tour of West Indies on a mixed note. The India star failed to get going with the bat in the first ODI in Antigua but made the day a bit special by plucking one of the best catches seen in the history of the game. Harmanpreet took the catch to deny West Indies star Stafanie Taylor a well-deserved century.

Taylor was batting on 94 and needed 6 runs to complete her ton. She, however, only had the last ball of the innings to complete the century. And the way she hit Ekta Bisht’s delivery towards long on, it looked like she would complete the century in style. But before the well-connected shot could land over the ropes, Harmanpreet left everyone stunned with her effort.

She made a timely leap and stunningly held the catch with her left hand before tumbling on the field. Harmanpreet also did well to keep herself away from the ropes after landing as she pulled off the sensational catch in style.

Here is a clip of that catch from Harmanpreet Kaur

India lose the thriller

Talking about the game, India lost the series-opener by 1 run. The match went right down to the wire before the hosts managed to keep their nerves and pull off the win. Batting first, West Indies scored 225 for 7 in the allotted 50 overs with Taylor’s 94 leading the way. Openers Natasha McLean and Stacy-Ann King gave West Indies a good start by adding 51 runs before India struck back by taking two wickets in space of three balls.

McLean departed soon too, leaving her side reeling at 77 for 3. However, before India could make further inroads in the game, Taylor steadied the ship with the help of Chedean Nation who scored 43. Taylor remained till the last to make sure West Indies put up a challenging total. For India, Shikha Pandey and Deepti Sharma picked up two wickets apiece.

In reply, India ended their innings on 224 all out in 50 overs while chasing 225. Openers Priya Punia and Jemimah Rodrigues gave India a solid start by adding 78 runs for the first wicket. However, the middle-order failed to get going which ultimately cost India the game. India lost three wickets in the last eight balls to lose the game.

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