21 Jul 2017

India to take on England in Cricket World Cup final

11:17 am on 21 July 2017

India batting hero Harmanpreet Kaur has credited the experience of playing for The Sydney Thunder for her match-winning innings against Australia at the Women's Cricket World Cup.

Harmanpreet Kaur hits a six during her century in the Women's World Cup semi-final between Australia and India.

Harmanpreet Kaur hits a six during her century in the Women's World Cup semi-final between Australia and India. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Kaur stunned the world champions with a brilliant 171 not out as India knocked the tournament favourites out of the Women's Cricket World Cup after a 36-run win in Derby.

The 28-year-old smashed 20 fours and seven sixes as her side chalked up an imposing total of 4-281 from a rain shortened 42 overs.

"I always love to play against Australia because they are a very good side and when you score against a good side it'll always give you confidence," Kaur said.

"In enjoyed the Women's Big Bash League in Australia because I had a really good team.

"They always gave me good confidence and my captain Alex Blackwell, she's a very motivated girl and she always appreciated my innings."

Kaur is yet to re-sign with the Thunder for the coming season but Blackwell is hopeful she will re-commit after ending the veteran Australian's hopes of a third World Cup win.

"I've seen her bat like that before but not for that long and she hit the ball incredibly well today," Blackwell said.

"We've seen a couple of big innings this World Cup but that's probably the best one yet given the what was on the line; a place in the final.

"Once I land back in Sydney I'm sure we'll have to start talking about contracts and that sort of thing, she was a pleasure to have in the Thunder in WBBL02 and I just hope to see her in the WBBL full stop."

-AAP