On July 22, 2025, Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name into the annals of Indian cricket with a breathtaking century that secured a 13-run victory over England in the third ODI at Chester-le-Street’s Riverside Ground. This performance not only clinched a 2-1 series win for India but also saw Harmanpreet Kaur shatter multiple records, reaffirming her status as one of the game’s greats.
Harmanpreet Kaur walked to the crease with India needing stability and aggression. She delivered both in spades, scoring 102 runs off just 82 balls, her innings studded with 14 fours. Harmanpreet’s century, reached in a mere 82 deliveries, was the fastest of her seven ODI tons and the second-fastest by an Indian woman in ODIs, trailing only a select few in its blistering pace. This was her third century against England, adding to her storied record against the hosts, which includes a 171* in the 2017 World Cup semifinal and a 143* in 2022 at Canterbury.
India’s total of 318/5 was the second-highest by a visiting team against England in ODIs, a testament to Kaur’s ability to anchor and accelerate. Her partnerships were pivotal: an 81-run stand with Harleen Deol (45) for the third wicket steadied the ship, while a 110-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues for the fourth wicket propelled India to a commanding position. Despite battling neck discomfort after reaching her hundred and being dismissed in the penultimate over by Nat Sciver-Brunt, Kaur’s impact was undeniable.
Record-Breaking Feats
Harmanpreet Kaur’s century was a milestone-laden affair. She became the third Indian woman to cross the 4,000-run mark in ODIs, starting the match with 3,967 runs and ending with 4,069, joining Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj in this elite group. Harmanpreet Kaur is now the 17th woman overall to achieve this feat in ODI cricket. Her seventh ODI century leveled Raj’s record, with only Mandhana’s 11 centuries ahead. Notably, three of Harmanpreet Kaur’s centuries have come in England, with one in New Zealand and three in India, underlining her global impact.
The 82-ball century was a record in itself, marking the fastest among her seven ODI tons and the second-fastest by an Indian woman in the format. This performance was especially significant as it ended an eight-month, 13-inning drought since her last fifty, a lean patch that had raised questions about her form. With the ODI World Cup on home soil approaching, Kaur’s return to form could not have been better timed.
Overcoming Adversity
Harmanpreet Kaur’s innings was not without its challenges. At 22, she survived a missed lbw appeal by England, a moment that could have altered the match’s course. Later, she battled physical discomfort, with neck pain threatening to derail her focus. Yet, her resilience shone through, as she continued to dominate England’s bowlers, including the likes of Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Filer, before her eventual dismissal.
India’s victory was a team effort, with Kranti Goud’s sensational six-wicket haul ensuring England fell short at 305/9, despite a valiant 98 from Nat Sciver-Brunt. The series, level at 1-1 before the decider, saw India bounce back from a rain-affected loss at Lord’s in the second ODI. Having already clinched the T20I series 3-2, India’s ODI triumph marked a historic white-ball sweep on English soil, a feat that underscores their growing dominance in women’s cricket.
Looking Ahead
Harmanpreet Kaur’s performance was a statement of intent, both for herself and for India. As the team prepares for the ODI World Cup, Harmanpreet Kaur leadership and batting prowess will be crucial. Harmanpreet Kaur’s gesture of sharing the Player of the Match award with Goud highlighted her team-first mentality, earning admiration from fans and peers alike. With Australia next on the horizon, India will draw confidence from this series win, and Harmanpreet Kaur’s dazzling century will remain a defining moment in their journey.
Also Read: ENG-W vs IND-W: India Women Clinch Series With Thrilling 13-Run Win Over England In 3rd ODI