India Women made history after clinching an ODI series win for the first time in 23 years on September 21. India handed a massive 88-run defeat to England in the second ODI to wrap up the three-match series.
India was asked to bat first and were 99/3 before skipper Harmanpreet Kaur took charge of the innings. She started building a partnership with Harleen Deol. Slowly and steadily, she gained her rhythm. That was the calm before the storm. Harmanpreet Kaur destroyed England’s bowling attack in the final stages of the innings.
Kaur finished her innings at an unbeaten 143 off 111 balls, including 18 boundaries and four maximums. She unleashed carnage as she registered 43 runs in just 11 deliveries in the death. With the help of Kaur’s spectacular innings, India posted an all-time high score of 333/5 on the board.
The England women crumbled under pressure and had a disastrous start. They were 50/3 at one stage and never recovered from there. Renuka Singh dominated with the ball and added four wickets to her tally. England women were eventually bowled out for 245 runs. India won the game and sealed a historic series win.
Indian Skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur’s glorious knock, guided India home. Fans and critics alike are in awe of the skipper’s innings. Fans took to Twitter to applaud the skipper. Here are a few Twitter reactions:
Harman ❤
Lady Hitman of Team india!!#HarmanpreetKaur . @ImHarmanpreet . pic.twitter.com/VdhQXMlZ7T
— 𝓢𝓾𝓫𝓱𝓪𝓼𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓮🍁 (@subhu__RO45) September 22, 2022
What a player and what a knock. Take a bow Harmanpreet Kaur #HarmanpreetKaur #INDvsENG#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/vyA0RwTRpp
— Er.आशीष सिंह (@AshishS_45) September 22, 2022
Witnessed the last 3 overs of the match yesterday@ImHarmanpreet was on rampage, best ever batting I have seen in a long time#ENGvIND #HarmanpreetKaur
— Malhar Barai (@MalharBarai) September 22, 2022
I consider myself fortunate to have watched this incredible innings. What unbelievable batting Harman!! Take a bow champ . This was long coming. Reminiscent of that 171 in 2017. Two of the most memorable batting displays in women’s cricket. #ENGvsIND #HarmanpreetKaur pic.twitter.com/h6MhRIj6tn
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) September 21, 2022
#HarmanpreetKaur your batting today remind Sachin, Rahul, Sehwag , Kapil …infact all legends 🎉 God bless 🎁 pic.twitter.com/Riy0lt8D1F
— Sandeep*Avhad (@sandpine69) September 21, 2022
Oh Captain, My Captain!
What a knock! Absolute gem of an innings. Take a bow Harmanpreet Kaur 143(111). #ENGvIND #ENGvsIND #HarmanpreetKaur @ImHarmanpreet pic.twitter.com/XO2d8rAQd4— Anushmita⁷ (@anushmita7) September 21, 2022
One of the best ever innings I've seen in an odi. #indwvengw #HarmanpreetKaur pic.twitter.com/mYwAyxrDvm
— Madhukar Nandagudi (@iammadhooker) September 21, 2022
Indian cricket fans looking at #HarmanpreetKaur bringing glory pic.twitter.com/HGxv74Q4sg
— 🏋️Puraane Khiladi 😳🤖 🕊️ (@DosalaMosaa) September 21, 2022
When Harmanpreet Kaur verse-jumped:
1. Everything
Runs 0-52: 64 balls
(4s x 4, 6s x 1)2. Everywhere
Runs 53-100: 36 balls
(4s x 8)3. All At Once
Runs 101-143: 11 balls
(4s x 6, 6s x 3)Fin. #HarmanpreetKaur x #EverythingEverywhereAllAtOnce
— Annesha Ghosh (@ghosh_annesha) September 21, 2022
You are looking at Owner of SENA COUNTRIES #HarmanpreetKaur pic.twitter.com/TlFfV6xt6B
— Indian Cricket 🇮🇳🏏 #HAPPYRETIREMENTJHULAN (@Indiancric_) September 21, 2022
5th ODI ton for Captain 'Kaur'ageous! #indwvsengw #HarmanpreetKaur pic.twitter.com/YogesLvvCa
— Subham. (@subhsays) September 21, 2022
A year back many wondered her place in the team. This year she has been an absolute beast. Take a bow🙌 @ImHarmanpreet #HarmanpreetKaur pic.twitter.com/EfjDO4Yolh
— SHIKHAR BHARDWAJ (@shikhar__08) September 21, 2022
the queen in England is still alive.#HarmanpreetKaur ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3L4W5MjID6
— ° (@mastHuYaar) September 21, 2022
“Our goal was to win the series” – Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur says of his team’s historic win
While speaking at the post-match presentations, the Indian skipper stated that they arrived in England with the mindset to win the series.
“When we came here, the goal was to win the series. Was a crucial win today as everybody stepped up. I always enjoy leadership as I’m always in the game and it feels good. When I was batting, during the first 50 runs, it wasn’t all that easy. I just took my time and the partnership with Harleen was important. Just gave freedom to myself later as I was well set,” she stated.
She also confirmed veteran Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami‘s retirement post the Lord’s match. The final ODI of the series will take place on Saturday, September 24.
“Yeah, I think so Jhulan Goswami will retire after the next game. We’ll miss her for sure and have been learning a lot from her. Every cricketer wants to play at Lord’s and it’s going to be special for her to retire there.”
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