Chester-le-Street | The Indian women’s cricket team clinched a thrilling 13-run victory over England in the third and deciding ODI at Chester-le-Street, sealing the three-match series 2-1. A scintillating century by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and a fiery six-wicket spell by young pacer Kranti Gaud led India to a memorable win on English soil.
Opting to bat first, India posted a formidable 318/5 in 50 overs, powered by Harmanpreet’s masterclass – an 84-ball 102 studded with 14 boundaries. Jemimah Rodrigues chipped in with a fluent 50 off 45 balls, while Harleen Deol (45) and Richa Ghosh (38* off 18) added the finishing touches. The opening pair of Smriti Mandhana (45) and Pratika Rawal (26) laid a strong platform with a 64-run stand.
Despite a spirited chase led by England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (98) and Emma Lamb (68), who stitched a massive 162-run third-wicket partnership, the hosts were bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs, falling just short of the target.
India’s rising pace star Kranti Gaud tore through the English batting order with figures of 6 for 52, turning the match decisively in India’s favour. Spinner Shree Charani also contributed with two wickets during the middle overs.
Harmanpreet, under pressure after failing to fire in the first two ODIs, delivered when it mattered most – reaching the 4000-run milestone in ODI cricket and scoring her third century against England. Her innings featured elegant off-side strokes and commanding straight boundaries. She shared an 81-run stand with Harleen Deol and a 110-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues, steering India past the 300-run mark. Richa Ghosh’s explosive finish, with 3 fours and 2 sixes, added crucial late runs.
For England, Charlie Dean and Lauren Bell picked up wickets, but failed to stem the flow of runs. Sophie Ecclestone removed Mandhana, who was looking set, for 45.
India’s 318-run total was their second-highest against England in ODIs, behind their record 333 scored at Canterbury in September 2022.
With this series triumph, India wrapped up a highly successful England tour, having earlier won the T20I series 3-2. The victory not only showcased the team’s depth and resilience but also solidified their growing dominance in international women’s cricket.
The Indian team now returns home with heads held high, having scripted one of their most significant overseas victories in recent years.
