Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's words stirred me up: spin wizard Poonam Yadav

It was a stinging rebuke from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur during tournament opener against Australia that fired up Poonam Yadav, who eventually played an instrumental role in India's march to ir maiden Women's T20 World Cup final. 28-year-old Indian has emerged as India's wrecker-in-chief in tournament with nine wickets, including a four-wicket haul against defending champions Australia in opening match.

'Harmanpreet's words stirred me up' 

"When I got hit for a six in first over, she (Harmanpreet) came to me and said, 'Poonam, you're one of most experienced players in team, and we expect better from you'," Poonam was quoted as saying by ICC.

"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 very next ball, and didn't look back since. w when I look back at that moment, it means so much in context of my individual performance and run to Final," said bowler from Agra.

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

"I had t even played tri-series, so thanks to selectors for showing faith in me," she said.

"When I was on sidelines, I worked quite hard kwing quality of competition in World Cup.

"So, I would watch a lot of videos of Australian and England teams and tried to find out ir weaknesses. My preparation that way was good, so despite pressure, nerves I was able to do well," she added.