ENGW vs INDW: India beat England by 13 runs in the third ODI and won the ODI series 2-1, Harmanpreet Kaur hit a brilliant century

India Clinch ODI Series 2-1 as Harmanpreet Kaur, Kranti Gaud Script Historic Win Over England

India’s women’s cricket team produced a stunning all-round performance to defeat hosts England by 13 runs in the third and final One Day International (ODI) at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. With this thrilling win, India secured the ODI series 2-1 and capped off a memorable tour, having earlier clinched the T20I series 3-2.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur Leads from the Front

Leading from the front, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur delivered a breathtaking knock of 102 runs off just 84 balls, marking a significant milestone in her career. With this innings, Harmanpreet became the first overseas woman cricketer to score three ODI centuries on English soil, surpassing Australian great Meg Lanning. Her composed yet aggressive batting anchored India’s innings and proved crucial in setting a formidable target.

The foundation was laid early on by openers Pratika Rawal (26) and Smriti Mandhana (45), who put on a 64-run stand for the first wicket. Although both were dismissed before the halfway mark, Harleen Deol and Harmanpreet ensured the innings didn’t lose momentum, adding a vital 81-run partnership.

Jemimah Rodrigues kept the scoring rate healthy with a fluent half-century, while Richa Ghosh exploded late in the innings, smashing 38 off just 18 balls. India eventually posted an imposing total of 318 for 5 in their 50 overs, their aggressive yet balanced approach setting the tone for the match.

Kranti Gaud’s Magical Spell Turns the Tide

While Harmanpreet’s century made headlines, it was Kranti Gaud’s sensational six-wicket haul that turned the match decisively in India’s favour. The young pace bowler tore through the English batting lineup, finishing with match-winning figures of 6 for 52 in 9.5 overs. She became only the third Indian woman to take six wickets in a WODI innings on foreign soil, joining the elite company of Mamta Maben and Jhulan Goswami.

Kranti struck early, removing England’s openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones in quick succession, placing the hosts under immediate pressure. However, a resilient 162-run partnership between Emma Lamb and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt brought England right back into the contest. Sciver-Brunt, in particular, was outstanding, reaching 98 off 105 balls before being dismissed agonisingly short of her century by Deepti Sharma in the 35th over.

Once Sciver-Brunt fell, England's chase faltered. Despite valiant efforts from Sophia Dunkley (34), Alice Davidson-Richards (44), and Charlie Dean (21), none could withstand the relentless pressure from Kranti and the Indian bowling unit. England were ultimately bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs, falling 13 runs short of the target.

Series Win Caps Off a Strong Tour

This victory marks a historic moment for Indian women’s cricket. Not only did the team defeat England in their own backyard, but they also showcased depth in talent, with senior players stepping up and young stars like Kranti Gaud rising to the occasion.

India’s tour of England saw them win both the ODI series (2-1) and the T20I series (3-2), a rare double that will be remembered as a breakthrough moment for women’s cricket in India. With stellar performances from experienced names and promising newcomers, the squad looks well-prepared for future global tournaments.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and form, combined with impactful contributions from all departments, reflect a team that is steadily building into a global powerhouse. As the Indian women’s cricket team returns home with two series wins, fans and critics alike will be filled with pride and optimism for what lies ahead.