India’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup received a major boost on Tuesday as the team clinched a thrilling 13-run victory over England in the series decider at Chester-le-Street. The win, which secured a 2-1 ODI series triumph, came on the back of a sublime century from captain Harmanpreet Kaur and a remarkable six-wicket haul by rising star Kranti Goud, capping off a successful tour that also included a 3-2 win in the T20I leg.
After a prolonged lean patch, Harmanpreet silenced critics with a commanding innings of 102 runs off just 84 balls. Her knock, which came after going scoreless for her first 10 deliveries, signaled a much-needed return to form. She broke her early drought with a perfectly timed cover drive off Linsey Smith on the 11th ball she faced, and never looked back. It was her first fifty-plus score in 13 ODI innings and marked her seventh career century in the format. In doing so, she also became only the third Indian woman to surpass 4000 runs in ODIs and recorded the second-fastest ODI century by an Indian woman, only behind Smriti Mandhana’s 70-ball ton against Ireland.
India’s batting was strong across the board. Jemimah Rodrigues played a crucial supporting role with a composed 50 and shared a 110-run fourth-wicket partnership with her captain. Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol contributed 45 runs apiece, providing stability in the top and middle order. Richa Ghosh added fireworks in the closing stages with an explosive 38 off just 18 balls, helping India post 318 for 5—its second-highest ODI total in England, only behind the 333-run effort in Canterbury in 2022. It also marked the fifth time India had crossed the 300-run mark in ODIs this year, highlighting their growing consistency with the bat.
While India’s batters set the stage, it was 21-year-old seamer Kranti Goud who delivered the final act with a stunning six-wicket haul that halted England’s chase. Goud, playing in just her fifth ODI, ripped through England’s lineup with figures of 6 for 52 and became the second-youngest Indian woman to claim a five-wicket haul in ODIs, only behind Deepti Sharma. England, who had been reduced to 8 for 2 early in the chase, mounted a strong recovery through a 162-run partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt and Emma Lamb. However, Goud’s timely breakthroughs derailed their momentum, and the hosts were eventually bowled out for 305, falling 13 runs short with just one delivery left.
Speaking after the match, Harmanpreet praised the young pacer’s temperament and performance. “She’s been impressive every time she’s come on to bowl. Today, she stepped up when we needed her the most and delivered. That kind of reliability is a huge asset for us.” The Indian skipper also reflected on her own innings, acknowledging the significance of timing her return to form so close to the World Cup. “This match was important for me and for the team. I reminded myself to stay calm, play for the team, and the runs eventually came. These moments give us belief moving forward.”
With the ODI World Cup on home soil fast approaching, India’s strong showing in England has provided much-needed momentum and confidence. Harmanpreet was quick to point out, however, that the team must now reset and prepare for their next challenge—facing defending champions Australia in a three-match ODI series that will serve as their final test before the global tournament. “Every win gives us a boost, but when we go home, it’s back to ball one. We have to keep building.”
The Indian captain also highlighted the broader progress the team has made in recent years. “We’ve worked hard over time, and now we’re starting to see the results. Our focus has always been on playing quality cricket. We know the talent we have, and it’s about using it wisely. The girls are stepping up with positivity, commitment, and stronger fitness levels. We’re setting new benchmarks, not just for ourselves but for women’s cricket in India. We want the country to see what we’re doing and take pride in our performances. Cricket is loved deeply in India, and we want the women’s game to be part of that spotlight.”
As India heads into the final leg of preparation for the ODI World Cup, their performance in England serves as a statement of intent. With leadership, depth, and emerging stars in form, they appear ready to contend on the biggest stage—and perhaps rewrite history on home turf.
