Harmapreet Kaur added another feather to her hat as she led India’s chase of 289 against England in the ICC Women’s World Cup match in Indore. The Indian skipper completed 1000 runs in the ICC Women’s ODI
World Cups, becoming the second batter from India after Mithali Raj to reach this remarkable feat.
While Mithali, with 1321 runs, is the second-highest run-getter in Women’s ODI World Cup history, Harmanpreet is currently placed 7th after her 70-run knock against Nat Sciver-Brunt-led side.
1000-plus runs in Women’s WC
1501 – Debbie Hockley (NZ-W)
1321 – Mithali Raj (IND-W)
1299 – Janette Brittin (ENG-W)
1231 – Charlotte Edwards (ENG-W)
1208 – Suzie Bates (NZ-W)
1151 – Belinda Clark (AUS-W)
1021 – Harmanpreet Kaur (IND-W)
Harmanpreet and Smriti Mandhana set the platform for India’s tricky chase of 288 against England with a 125-run partnership for the third wicket. But just when the Indian skipper looked focused and was cruising toward her century, her English counterpart – Sciver-Brunt – dismissed her for 70 in the 31st over.
Earlier, Heather Knight scored a commanding 109 — her third ODI century and highest-ever WODI score. Her 91-ball innings, laced with 15 fours and a six, showcased her trademark sweeping ability and anchored England’s strong total.
For India, Deepti Sharma was once again the standout performer. Introduced only in the 16th over, the experienced off-spinner turned the tide with a superb spell of 4 for 51 — her best figures in an ODI World Cup. She reached the milestone of 150 wickets by dismissing Tammy Beaumont (22) before sending back half-centurion Amy Jones (56). Deepti later triggered a late collapse, removing Emma Lamb (11) and Alice Capsey (2).
England’s innings began on a solid note as Beaumont and Jones added 77 for the first wicket — their best opening stand of the tournament. Knight then joined skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (38) to stitch a fluent 113-run partnership off 106 balls that kept India on the defensive.
But once Sree Charani (2/68) removed Sciver-Brunt, courtesy of a sharp catch from Harmanpreet Kaur, England lost momentum. Knight’s run-out by Sneh Rana in the 45th over opened the floodgates as India seized control, exploiting England’s middle-order frailties in the final stretch.
(With PTI Inputs)
