Defying pressure and expectations alike, Amanjot Kaur carved her name into the spotlight with a match-winning performance as India clinched the second T20I against England in Bristol. With this win, India took a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. The Indian women's team, which had initially considered Amanjot mainly for her bowling abilities, saw a new side of the cricketer as she delivered a match-winning all-round performance.
Before the England tour, Amanjot was viewed primarily as a white-ball bowler. However, on that crucial Tuesday night, she proved her worth as a complete cricketer. The 24-year-old smashed an unbeaten 63 off 40 balls, displaying exceptional skill and control. Batting at number five, she not only anchored the innings but also built partnerships when it mattered the most.
India had a shaky start. After early dismissals of star batters Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, India found themselves struggling at 31/3 during the Powerplay. The pressure was immense, but Amanjot rose to the occasion.
She first partnered with Jemimah Rodrigues, who made a brilliant 41-ball 63. Together, they stitched a steady 93-run stand for the fourth wicket. Amanjot then added a quickfire 52-run partnership with Richa Ghosh, who contributed a valuable 32 runs. India managed to post a competitive total of 184/4, making it their second-highest women’s T20I total on English soil.
Amanjot completed her maiden T20I half-century in just 35 balls. She played smartly during the middle overs and then accelerated during the death overs, proving that she is capable of finishing games under pressure. She hit nine boundaries and four sixes in her entertaining innings. More than just the runs, her composure and presence gave the Indian team the belief and confidence they had been missing.
Speaking after the game, Amanjot said, “It is the first of many. I am now being called an all-rounder, but I would like to believe that I am the purest of bowlers and the purest of batters. I want to do it more for India.”
India’s bowlers also backed up the effort. Despite a strong start by England’s openers, the Indian side managed to restrict them to 157/7. Tammy Beaumont scored 54 and Amy Jones added 32 runs for England. Sophie Ecclestone tried to push for a late charge with 35 not out, but India’s disciplined bowling made sure that the target was always out of reach.
Amanjot also bowled well, showing her ability to switch roles between bat and ball as the game demanded. The return of Harmanpreet Kaur, who had missed the previous game, added leadership to the squad but it was Amanjot who led the performance on the field.
This win holds great importance for India as it builds momentum before the Women’s ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup. India has been searching for a strong seam-bowling all-rounder and Amanjot’s display has given the selectors and fans hope that she could fill this long-standing gap.
Her performance also highlights the benefits of the Women’s Premier League where Amanjot plays for the Mumbai Indians. The league has given young players exposure and confidence to perform on the international stage.
Amanjot Kaur’s rise is a story of hard work and patience. From being looked at as a bowler to becoming a match-winning all-rounder, she has shown that talent shines when given the right opportunity. Her memorable knock against England will be remembered not only for its statistics but also for the spirit and strength it brought to Indian women’s cricket.
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