Harmanpreet Kaur slammed her sixth ODI century with an unbeaten hundred against South Africa in the ongoing multi-format bilateral series, marking her first century in ODIs against the Proteas and her seventh across all formats. She also achieved the milestone of becoming the second Indian player to surpass 3500 runs.
Harmanpreet strode to the middle after India lost their second wicket for 100 runs and the run rate was below five. However, Kaur’s ability to rotate strike helped her build the innings while partnering with a set and striking Smriti Mandhana. The duo added 171 runs for the third wicket, marking India’s third-highest partnership for that wicket. Kaur’s powerful performance earned immediate applause from the audience, and their partnership was instrumental in India posting their highest total on home soil, reaching 325-3 overall.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian skipper known for her hard hitting and powerful shorts, throughout her innings struck nine boundaries and three maximums, scoring at a strike rate of 117. She reached the first fifty runs in 58 balls then she accelerated and added another 50 runs in 50 balls, including 2 fours and a maximum in the final 4 deliveries she faced, to score an 88-ball century. Her towering sixes showcase the strength in her game and reflect her confidence.
She ranks third in the list of most ODI centuries for India with six tons, just one century away from equaling the joint record. Harmanpreet’s first ODI century came against England during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in 2013. The Indian skipper boasts three centuries in ODI World Cups, including her memorable unbeaten 171 off 115 deliveries in the 2017 World Cup semi-final against Australia, which propelled India to a 36-run victory.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s status as a formidable force in women’s cricket leaves no doubt that her batting prowess continues to shine brighter with each milestone.