Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur blazed an 82-ball century in the decisive third ODI against England, marking a stunning return to form for her in the series.
A Blistering Knock
Harmanpreet Kaur delivered a spectacular performance, smashing her 7th ODI century at Riversie Ground in Chester-le-Street. Her knock was a powerful reminder of her unique ability to accelerate through an innings after a steady start.
Her explosive innings of 102 runs from just 84 balls included 14 powerful fours. She relentlessly attacked the bowlers, driving India past the 300-run mark.
Harmanpreet was eventually caught by Nat Sciver-Brunt off Lindsey Smith’s bowling in the 49th over. England players gathered around her to congratulate her on the incredible innings, a testament to her impact.
Milestones Achieved
Beyond the century, Harmanpreet reached significant personal milestones during her innings. She began the day with 3967 runs and swiftly became only the third Indian batter to cross the 4,000-run mark in ODIs.
She now joins an elite list alongside Mithali Raj, the all-time leading run-scorer for India, and Smriti Mandhana. This achievement also places her among the top 17 batters globally to reach this impressive feat in women’s ODI cricket.
Her 7th century also brings her level with Mithali Raj’s career tally. Among Indian batters, only Smriti Mandhana has scored more, comfortably leading the way with 11 centuries.
A Love Affair with England
Harmanpreet seems to have a special connection with batting in England, particularly against the hosts. This century marked her third in the country, showcasing her consistent prowess on English soil.
One of her most famous centuries, a breathtaking 171* against Australia, came during the 2017 World Cup semi-final held in England. She also scored an equally impressive 143* during India’s last tour in 2022.
Her 82-ball hundred is now the second-fastest by an Indian woman in this format, and notably, her quickest among her seven career centuries. Interestingly, she now boasts as many ODI centuries in England as she does in India, with one other century scored in New Zealand.
Impact on the Match
Harmanpreet’s magnificent century, coupled with a crucial century partnership for the fourth wicket with Jemimah Rodrigues, powered India to a formidable total of 318/5 in their allotted 50 overs.
This stellar performance came in the decisive third and final ODI of the series. The series was finely poised at 1-1, with India winning the opener and England claiming the second match.
- Harmanpreet Kaur smashed her 7th ODI century, scoring 102 off 84 balls.
- She became the third Indian woman to cross the 4,000-run mark in ODIs.
- This was her third century scored on English soil, highlighting her strong record there.
- Her rapid hundred is her second-fastest in ODIs and the quickest among her own centuries.
Harmanpreet’s innings was not just a personal triumph but a crucial one for India in a high-stakes series decider, showcasing her continued importance to the team’s success.
