1. Asia Cup Champions 2022: A Roaring Comeback
After a surprising loss to Pakistan in the league stage, India entered the 2022 Women's Asia Cup final with a point to prove. Under Harmanpreet's calm but assertive leadership, the team produced a clinical performance against Sri Lanka. The bowlers, led
by a fiery spell from Renuka Singh, restricted Sri Lanka to a paltry 65 for 9. The chase was a formality, with Smriti Mandhana's explosive fifty sealing a dominant eight-wicket victory. This win wasn't just another trophy; it was India's record-extending seventh Asia Cup title and a powerful statement of their continental supremacy. It re-established the team's winning mentality ahead of a packed international calendar.
2. Commonwealth Games 2022: The Historic Silver
While not a gold 'title', the silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham was an epic achievement that captured the nation's heart. It was the first time women's cricket was included in the games, and India battled their way to a blockbuster final against world champions Australia. Chasing 162, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a blinder, scoring a magnificent 65 off 43 balls. At one stage, India looked set for a historic win before a heart-breaking collapse in the final overs saw them fall short by just nine runs. Though the result was a silver, the campaign was a massive victory for Indian women's cricket on a global multi-sport stage, showcasing their fighting spirit to a whole new audience.
3. Asian Games 2023: The Golden Debut
India made its debut in cricket at the Asian Games in 2023, and Harmanpreet Kaur's team made sure it was a golden one. In a tense final against Sri Lanka, the Indian team had to defend a modest total of 116. The bowlers, led by a sensational spell from the young Titas Sadhu, rose to the occasion, strangling the Sri Lankan run chase. India ultimately won by 19 runs, securing the country's first-ever gold medal in cricket at the Asian Games. The victory was a testament to the team's ability to win under pressure and added a prestigious and historic gold medal to the captain's already glittering trophy cabinet.
4. ODI Series Win in England 2022: Breaking a 23-Year Jinx
Some victories are more than just trophies; they are about breaking psychological barriers. In 2022, Harmanpreet Kaur led India to their first ODI series victory on English soil in 23 years. The 3-0 clean sweep was a dominant display of all-round cricket. The series was defined by the captain's own phenomenal form. In the second ODI, she played one of the greatest innings in women's cricket, smashing an unbeaten 143 off just 111 balls to power India to a massive total and an 88-run win. This series win proved that India, under Kaur, was not just a powerhouse at home but a formidable force in overseas conditions, capable of beating the best in their own backyard.
5. First-Ever Test Win vs Australia 2023: Conquering the Final Frontier
For decades, the Australian women's team has been the benchmark in world cricket. In December 2023, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Harmanpreet's India achieved what no Indian women's team had done before: they defeated Australia in a Test match. After conceding a first-innings lead, Australia was bowled out cheaply in their second innings, setting India a target of just 75. The Indian batters chased it down with authority, scripting an eight-wicket victory. This win was the culmination of years of progress. It was a historic moment that capped off a fantastic home season and signalled that the 'Kaur era' was one where India feared no opponent, cementing her legacy as a captain who led her team to conquer every frontier.
