Harmanpreet Kaur struck a historic 126 off 121 deliveries at BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat on October 25, 2026, in India's second ODI against Zimbabwe. The innings featured 15 boundaries and powered India to 328 for 6 after electing to bat first. This eighth ODI century elevated Harmanpreet to India's second-highest century-scorer in women's ODIs, surpassing former captain Mithali Raj, who has seven centuries. Smriti Mandhana leads the tally with 14 ODI centuries.
Speaking after the match, Harmanpreet
reflected on her approach and mindset during this phase of her career. She addressed the emotions and adjustments following her replacement as captain by Smriti Mandhana ahead of the Zimbabwe series. Harmanpreet emphasised her desire to embrace the present circumstances and remain focused on what brings her fulfilment in the sport.
"Well, I'm somebody who always likes to live life close to reality, and this is the reality now, and I just want to accept it in whatever way it is. And at the same time, cricket is something which has always given me happiness, and batting is something which is, you know, something I've been enjoying throughout my career. And today, and whenever I'm going to step in, I just want to enjoy my batting," Harmanpreet said during the post-match presentation ceremony.
How did Harmanpreet and Deepti's partnership shape India's total?
Harmanpreet's 126 came during her 72nd Women's ODI appearance on home soil, where she crossed the 2,000-run mark in India. She reached the milestone in the 41st over of India's innings. Her partnership with Deepti Sharma proved decisive for India's total, as the two added 153 runs for the fifth wicket. Deepti remained unbeaten on 106 off 86 balls, continuing her strong form in the series.
Zimbabwe broke the partnership in the 47th over when Michelle Mavunga dismissed Harmanpreet. Deepti had reached 92 not out off 76 balls when Harmanpreet's innings ended. The unbeaten 106 from Deepti, combined with Harmanpreet's 126, gave India a commanding total to defend.
India's bowling attack proved equally effective in the second ODI. Vaishnavi Sharma took four wickets as India secured a 121-run victory over Zimbabwe. The win gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with one ODI remaining to be played.
