ICC WT20 World Cup | Harmanpreet Kaur's trust made me a better bowler, reveals Poonam Yadav

03/07/2020

Poonam Yadav, who played an instrumental role in India's march to the Women's T20 World Cup final says It was a stinging rebuke from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur during the tournament opener against Australia that fired up. Poonam believes if the captain has faith in her, she should bounce back.

The 28-year-old Indian has emerged as India's wrecker-in-chief in the tournament with nine wickets, including a four-wicket haul against defending champions Australia in the opening match. Indian spin bowler Poonam Yadav, who eventually played a crucial role in India's march to their maiden Women's T20 World Cup final said that when she got hit for a six in the first over, Harmanpreet came to her and said the team expects better from her.

"When I got hit for a six in the first over, she (Harmanpreet) came to me and said, 'Poonam, you're one of the most experienced players in the team, and we expect better from you'," said Poonam, reported Times Of India.

"So, that kind of stirred something within me. I told myself if my captain has that much faith in me, I should be able to make a comeback. I took a wicket in the very next ball, and didn't look back since. Now when I look back at that moment, it means so much in the context of my individual performance and run to the Final," said the bowler from Agra.

India's highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket, Poonam had missed the preceding tri-series, involving Australia, due to an injury in her left index finger. Poonam said she used her time on the sidelines to analyse the weakness of her opponents which came handy during the World Cup.

“I had not even played the tri-series, so thanks to the selectors for showing faith in me. When I was on the sidelines, I worked quite hard knowing the quality of competition in the World Cup. My preparation that way was good, so despite the pressure, the nerves I was able to do well," said Yadav.

India takes on the four-time World champions Australia in the final of the T20 World Cup in Melbourne on Sunday.