IND-W vs ENG-W: Harmanpreet Kaur Scripts History, Slams 2nd Fastest ODI Century For India

IND-W vs ENG-W: In a commanding return to form, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur delivered a record-breaking performance against England in the third and final ODI at Chester-le-Street, guiding her side to a formidable first-innings total.

Under pressure to perform after a string of low scores, the veteran batter responded with a spectacular century, scoring 102 off just 84 deliveries, laced with 14 exquisite boundaries.

Her century came off 82 balls, making it the second-fastest hundred ever recorded by an Indian woman in ODIs. Only Smriti Mandhana's blistering 70-ball ton against Ireland earlier this year in Rajkot stands ahead of it. Initially cautious, Harmanpreet settled in before unleashing an array of shots that left the English bowlers with no answers. Her acceleration in the second half of the innings proved vital in propelling India to 318 for 5 - their third-highest ODI total against England.

This was Harmanpreet's seventh century in the format and her first in nearly a year, the previous one coming against South Africa in June 2024. Her knock was cut short in the penultimate over by Linsey Smith, but not before she had left a lasting impact.

India's innings was supported by valuable contributions throughout the order. Jemimah Rodrigues struck a fluent 50, while Smriti Mandhana added 45. The opening partnership between Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal laid a solid platform with a 64-run stand. Richa Ghosh added late fireworks, hammering 38 off just 18 balls, including three fours and two sixes, as India piled on 120 runs in the final 10 overs. Radha Yadav remained unbeaten on 2 from 2.

For England, the bowling honours were shared, with five different bowlers - Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith - each picking up one wicket.

With the three-match series levelled at 1-1, this high-stakes decider now hinges on England's chase, but it is Harmanpreet Kaur's heroic innings that has truly lit up the contest.