A resurgent Harmanpreet Kaur once again etched her name in the annals of Indian cricket legends, delivering a captain’s knock that wasn’t just timely but historic in its essence.
In the high-stakes series decider against England at Chester-le-Street, the 36-year-old veteran produced a masterclass with the bat, becoming only the second Indian, after Mithali Raj, to breach the milestone of 1,000 ODI runs in England. In doing so, she reaffirmed her position as one of the format’s most influential performers, especially on foreign soil for the Women in Blue.
After clinching a hard-fought 3-2 T20I series, India’s maiden T20I series victory against England in their backyard, Harmanpreet’s side entered the ODI leg brimming with confidence. The teams headed into this contest with the series tantalisingly poised at 1-1. India’s four-wicket win in the opener was countered by England’s dominant, rain-affected triumph in the second ODI. With the hopes for another white-ball series triumph in England hanging in the balance, Harmanpreet won the toss for the first time on the tour and, showing intent, opted to bat first in the pivotal finale of the ODI leg.
Coming into this match, Harmanpreet, by her high standards, had been searching for rhythm, scoring just 24 runs in the first couple of games in the ongoing ODI series against England. But few have a flair for the grand occasion quite like her. On a pristine and slowish Chester-le-Street surface, the Indian skipper took charge exactly when her side needed it most.
Walking in during a cautious phase with India at 81/2 in the 18th over of the innings, just after losing the wicket of vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (45 off 54 balls), she weathered the early storm while facing the likes of Sophie Ecclestone, before she eventually found her timing and touch—finding gaps at will and punishing every loose delivery with precision.
The moment of personal landmark came in the 26th over: Lauren Filer pitched it in the slot outside off, and Harmanpreet, with the full face of the bat, guided it square through the off-side boundary. With that clinical stroke, she brought up her 1,000th ODI run in England, joining the legendary Mithali Raj as the only Indians to achieve this rare feat on English soil.
Her innings soon blossomed into a spectacle of crisp aggression and tactical maturity. Bringing up her century off just 82 balls—the fastest of her career and the second-fastest by an Indian in women’s ODIs (only behind Smriti Mandhana’s 70-ball effort)—she led India’s charge with a flurry of boundaries, smashing 14 in her stay. Eventually, left-arm spinner Linsey Smith ended her authoritative knock on 102 (84 balls) in the penultimate over, but by then, the damage was well and truly done.
Today’s century, her 7th in ODIs, brought her on par with Mithali Raj in terms of ODI centuries for India, now jointly holding the second-most centuries in women’s ODIs for her country. With this effort, she became only the third Indian (after Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana) to surpass 4,000 ODI runs—an extraordinary feat that underscores her endurance and brilliance at the highest level.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s ODI career, spanning over 149 matches and 129 innings since her debut in 2009, is a testament to her consistency and flair. She has amassed 4,069 runs at an impressive average of 37.67, maintaining a healthy strike rate of 75.92. Her run tally includes 19 half-centuries and 7 centuries, highlighting her ability to play both steady and match-defining knocks.
When it comes to performing on English soil, Harmanpreet has been particularly effective. In 30 matches across various venues in England, she has scored 1,087 runs in 28 innings at a remarkable average of 45.29 and an elevated strike rate of 79.28. Her contributions in England feature five half-centuries and three centuries, underscoring her prowess and adaptability in foreign conditions. This stellar record not only demonstrates her importance as India’s mainstay batter overseas but also cements her legacy in the annals of Indian women’s cricket.
Harmanpreet’s journey in England dates back to June 30, 2011, when she debuted here against the hosts at Derby, scoring 41 in her maiden ODI in English conditions. Year after year, she has returned to these shores, locking horns with the world’s best and evolving from a precocious stroke-maker to India’s premier match-winner and, now, inspirational leader.
Powered by her milestone knock, India amassed a formidable 318/5 in their 50 overs—the highest total for India on English soil. Beyond her own heroics, the innings was ably supported by cameos across the order, with Richa Ghosh applying a dazzling finishing touch, scoring 38* off just 18 balls.
The significance of Harmanpreet’s innings stretches beyond the numbers. Off a career that began in March 2009 with an ODI debut against Pakistan at Bowral, her journey has been punctuated by iconic performances—the unforgettable 171* against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final, and now this eloquent statement in a series decider in England.
As India eyes another famous series win under the leadership of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, one fact is abundantly clear: Fearless Harmanpreet Kaur’s resourcefulness, passion, and ability to seize the moment continue to inspire a generation.
With every sweep, cut, and thunderous drive, Harmanpreet Kaur is building a legacy bigger than records. Her 1,000 ODI runs in England stand as a testimony to longevity, adaptability, and the glint of steel that distinguishes the greats from the merely good.
In a summer that has already seen India rewrite history in the T20I leg, Harmanpreet Kaur’s milestone at Chester-le-Street will be remembered as the day the skipper reminded the cricketing world, once again, why she is the beating heart of Indian women’s cricket.
As the Indian skipper left the field to a standing ovation, one sensed that on this bright English afternoon, women’s cricket had witnessed not just another century, but another significant chapter in the remarkable chronicles of Harmanpreet Kaur.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.