ICC Women's World Cup 2017: Twitter hails Harmanpreet Kaur's scintillating knock against Australia

Harmanpreet Kaur played an innings of a lifetime as India stormed into the ICC Women’s World Cup final, defeating Australia by 36 runs in the semi-final played at Derby.

Harmanpreet smashed seven sixes and 20 fours as she scored 171 in just 115 balls. Thanks to her hard hitting, India put up a good total of 281/4 after rain reduced the match to 42 overs a side.

This was India’s highest ever total against the Southern Stars while Harmanpreet’s 171 was the second highest individual score in ODIs for India behind Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 188 against South Africa earlier this year.

Australia succumbed under pressure as the defending champions were bowled out for 245 in 40.1 overs.

India will feature in a World Cup final for the second time, having lost to Australia in the final of the 2005 edition.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Harmanpreet’s breathtaking knock and India’s victory:

An Innings of a lifetime , Harmanpreet Kaur . What wonderful clean hitting. More than 60% of India's runs.
Fan ! Over to the Bowlers now. pic.twitter.com/xZlIB2SW4x

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 20, 2017

Incredible batting by @ImHarmanpreet! Come on India- Let's go out and win the second half of the game as well. #AUSvIND #WWC17 #WomenInBlue

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 20, 2017

Serious batting by @imharmanpreet! What a knock! #IndvsAus #WWC17

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) July 20, 2017

Filled with pride seeing @BCCIWomen perform like this.Congratulations on the great victory. Unforgettable knock by @ImHarmanpreet

— Kapil Dev (@therealkapildev) July 20, 2017

This is a genuinely Kapil-Dev-at-Tunbridge-Wells kind of innings from @ImHarmanpreet now. Hope it inspires other young girls to follow

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 20, 2017

171 of 115 balls ! @ImHarmanpreet unbelievable knock you don't see that everyday in any form of cricket congratulations @BCCIWomen rock on

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 20, 2017

What an innings by @ImHarmanpreet and a brilliant effort by the bowlers also so far.. #INDvAUS @BCCIWomen #ICCWomensWorldCup2017

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 20, 2017

Harmanpreet’s family residing in Moga, Punjab were over the moon and celebrated India’s win.

Moga (Punjab): Family of Harmanpreet Kaur celebrated after India entered the World Cup final; she remained unbeaten at 171 Runs (115 balls) pic.twitter.com/nimdOBeiIa

— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2017

Smashing performance @ImHarmanpreet. Many congratulations! @BCCIWomen #INDvAUS #ICCWomensWorldCup2017

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) July 20, 2017

Wow @Imharmanpreet Go India win this one!!

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) July 20, 2017

Take a bow @ImHarmanpreet , best innings I've ever seen!! #WWC17

— Charlotte Edwards (@C_Edwards23) July 20, 2017

Highest score by an Indian at World Cups.

Actually forget that. In this context, this is one of the all time great innings in the world.

— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) July 20, 2017