Harmanpreet Kaur’s Century Powers India to 318 in Series Decider Against England

Harmanpreet Kaur’s Century Powers India to 318 in Series Decider Against England

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur struck a blistering century to lead India to an imposing 318 for 5 in the third and final women’s ODI against England, setting up a massive target in the series decider at Chester-le-Street.

After winning the toss for the first time this tour, Kaur’s decision to bat first under overcast skies initially raised eyebrows. But the skipper backed her instincts—and her spinners—by choosing to put runs on the board, and it paid off handsomely.

Harmanpreet led from the front with a commanding 102 off 84 balls, notching up her seventh ODI hundred. It was her first fifty-plus score in 13 innings and her first ODI half-century since October 2024. Her innings was marked by crisp boundaries and aggressive intent, including lofted drives over mid-off and powerful sweeps over square leg. Her effort also saw her become just the third Indian woman to surpass 4,000 runs in ODIs.

She was ably supported by Jemimah Rodrigues, who smashed a fluent 50 off just 45 deliveries. Rodrigues was particularly dominant against off-spinner Charlie Dean, striking three fours in consecutive overs twice, showcasing her full range around the ground. The pair added crucial momentum after solid contributions from Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol, both of whom chipped in with 45 runs apiece.

India appeared to be cruising when the score stood at 132 for 2, but England missed a key opportunity to dismiss Harmanpreet on 22 when Lauren Filer struck her pad. The hosts opted not to review, and replays later showed the decision would likely have gone in their favor.

Rodrigues’ innings ended shortly after her half-century, gloving a pull shot off Filer to Amy Jones behind the stumps. Harmanpreet eventually fell for 102, chipping a drive to cover where Nat Sciver-Brunt held on to a sharp diving catch.

Among England's bowlers, Sophie Ecclestone stood out with a miserly spell of 1 for 28 from her 10 overs. The world No.1-ranked ODI bowler was the only one to contain the Indian batters effectively. Filer, Lauren Bell, Charlie Dean, and Linsey Smith all claimed a wicket each but were expensive throughout their spells.

Ecclestone, who revealed in a pre-match interview that she had considered quitting cricket following England’s T20 World Cup and Ashes disappointments, continued to show her class despite the mounting pressure.

With India setting a mammoth 319-run target, England will need to break the record for the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history to win both the match and the series. With a four-pronged spin attack ready to defend the total, Harmanpreet's gamble at the toss may yet prove to be a masterstroke.

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