Indian batter Harleen Deol delivered a remarkable performance in the ongoing ODI series against West Indies, smashing 115 off 103 balls in the second ODI at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara.
The innings marked her maiden century in international cricket, a feat made even more special after her return from an ACL injury earlier this year. The hosts elected to bat first, with the opening duo of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal providing a brilliant start, amassing 110 runs for the opening wicket before Mandhana was run out.
Walking in at number three, Deol, who had scored 44 in the first ODI against the Windies, initially took her time to settle at the crease before unleashing her array of attacking shots.
Deol was part of a 62-run partnership for the second wicket with Rawal before the latter’s stellar innings of 76 ended. Deol reached her half-century off 62 balls, which included five boundaries.
Deol accelerated her scoring as the innings progressed, particularly during a commanding 116-run stand for the fourth wicket alongside Jemimah Rodrigues. Deol took the lead with an aggressive approach, while Rodrigues provided steady support.
Deol brought up her maiden ODI century with a boundary off Shamilia Connell in the 47th over. Her milestone came after 31 innings in the ODI format, making her the first India no. 3 batter to score a century in women’s ODIs since Punam Raut’s ton against South Africa in 2021. Harleen’s innings of 115 was laced with 16 boundaries and came at an impressive strike rate of 111.
India posted a formidable total of 358, their joint-highest in the ODI format, with Deol being the top scorer.
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