Harmanpreet, Goud Shine as India Clinch ODI Series Against England and Eye World Cup Glory

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes her side is ready to "pass that benchmark" ahead of the home ODI World Cup, after sealing a 2-1 series victory over England with a commanding performance in the third and final ODI at Chester-le-Street.

Harmanpreet led from the front with a blistering 102 off 84 balls — her seventh ODI century and first fifty-plus score in 13 innings — to guide India to 318 for 5, their second-highest ODI total on English soil. Rising star Kranti Goud followed up with career-best figures of 6 for 52 to derail England’s chase, bowling them out for 305 with one ball to spare.

"It was a very important game for us," Harmanpreet said. "I just wanted to spend time at the wicket and build the innings. The first ten balls, I didn't score — but I kept telling myself to stay there for the team."

After a watchful start, Harmanpreet launched into a fluent assault, reaching her century in just 82 balls — the second-fastest by an Indian woman in ODIs, behind Smriti Mandhana’s 70-ball ton earlier this year. She also became just the third Indian woman to surpass 4,000 career ODI runs.

India’s innings was bolstered by a well-rounded batting effort. Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 50, sharing a 110-run stand with her captain, while Mandhana and Harleen Deol chipped in with 45 apiece. Richa Ghosh provided a late surge with a rapid 38 from just 18 deliveries.

In England’s chase, 21-year-old seamer Goud stole the spotlight with a composed and clinical six-wicket haul in just her fifth ODI. She removed both openers in the powerplay and returned at key moments to snuff out England’s hopes of chasing down the target — which would have been a world-record effort.

“Whenever we needed a breakthrough, she was there,” Harmanpreet said of Goud. “She’s really impressed with the ball throughout this series, and I’m very happy with how she stepped up in such a big match.”

England mounted a strong recovery from 8 for 2 through a 162-run partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt and Emma Lamb, but once Goud dismissed both set batters, the hosts’ hopes began to fade. Despite some late hitting, they fell 13 runs short.

India's 318 was their fifth 300-plus score in ODIs this year, and it showcased the team's growing depth and confidence ahead of a packed calendar. Harmanpreet acknowledged that tougher challenges lie ahead, particularly in the lead-up to the World Cup with a key series against reigning champions Australia looming.

"Every win gives us confidence, but we have to start fresh when we go back," she said. “The team is working hard, staying fit, and playing with a positive mindset. Now it’s about using our talent at the right time.”

India will return home buoyed by their white-ball double over England, having also won the preceding T20I series 3-2. With momentum building and key players peaking at the right time, the hosts are aiming to set a new standard in women’s cricket — both on the field and in the minds of fans back home.

"We want to reach a position where people take women’s cricket seriously," Harmanpreet concluded. "India loves cricket — and now, they want their women’s team to succeed too."