6 days ago
Harmanpreet Kaur wants India to pass the benchmark before ODI World Cup
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur once again rose to the occasion when it mattered most, producing a masterful century as India sealed a high-scoring 13-run victory over England in the third women's ODI to clinch the series 2-1. But even as she reflected on her 84-ball 102-an innings full of composure and resolve-her gaze was firmly set on a larger ambition: for India to meet and exceed global standards ahead of the 2025 Women's ODI World total of 318 for five was built around Harmanpreet's authoritative knock and a vital 110-run stand with Jemimah Rodrigues, who contributed a fluent 50. Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol chipped in with 45 apiece, while Richa Ghosh's explosive 38 off just 18 balls gave the innings a powerful finish. England, in response, came close but were bowled out for 305 in the final over."In all the matches I wanted to give my best in batting but today's game was very important to us," Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation. "The plan was to spend some time on the wicket and then see how things go. That really worked for me."
Having endured a slow start-she was scoreless for her first ten deliveries-Harmanpreet held her nerve with some quiet self-assurance. "I was just talking to myself: 'I'm not going to lose myself, just be there, be there for the team.'"She reached her hundred in 82 balls, making it the second-fastest ODI century by an Indian woman after Smriti Mandhana's 70-ball effort earlier this year. The knock also saw her become only the third Indian woman to surpass 4,000 runs in ODIs, underscoring her standing as a mainstay of Indian batting over the past while the personal milestone was significant, Harmanpreet was clear that the real work lies ahead."Today was a totally different situation, a different pitch, a different atmosphere," she said. "In home conditions it will be different. But whenever you win, that always gives you a positive mindset and keeps you in a good place."This series will definitely give us a lot of confidence but, again, when we go back, we have to start again from ball one."India's women have often shown flashes of brilliance in recent years, but consistency at the highest level remains a work in progress. Harmanpreet believes the current squad has the depth and fitness to compete with the best, provided they continue to refine their processes and push past old limits."Our team has been working really hard for so many years and this is the time where we are getting that reward," she said. "We only talk about playing good cricket and we know the kind of talent we have. It's about using the right talent at the right time and getting the best out of them."advertisementShe credited the squad's improved fitness and professionalism as key factors in their recent rise."I'm really happy. All the girls are coming up with a positive mindset and working really hard on their fitness. We've understood a lot in the past few years and right now we're just trying to pass that benchmark and put ourselves in a position where people talk seriously about women's cricket."That final point is central to Harmanpreet's long-term vision: not just winning matches, but earning the respect and recognition the team deserves in a country where cricket holds a central place in the national imagination."People back home love cricket. They want us to do well, and we also want to give them something to be proud of," she said.- EndsYou May Also Like
