4,000 Runs and Counting: Harmanpreet’s Milestone Marks a New Era for Indian Cricket

India’s women’s cricket team clinched a thrilling 2-1 ODI series victory over England, powered by a masterful century from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and a six-wicket haul from rising star Kranti Goud. 

But for Harmanpreet, the win is just a stepping stone toward a bigger goal—surpassing global standards ahead of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.

Match highlights:

- Harmanpreet scored 102 off 84 balls, her seventh ODI century and first 50-plus score in 13 innings

- India posted 318/5, the second-highest ODI total by a visiting team in England

- Jemimah Rodrigues contributed a fluent 50; Mandhana and Harleen Deol added 45 each

- Richa Ghosh’s explosive 38 off 18 balls gave India a strong finish

- England fell short by 13 runs, bowled out for 305 in the final over

- Kranti Goud, 21, took 6/52, becoming the second-youngest Indian woman to claim a five-wicket haul in ODIs

Captain’s vision:

- Harmanpreet emphasized the need to “start from ball one” despite the series win

- She credited improved fitness, mindset, and professionalism for the team’s recent rise

- The squad is focused on refining processes and unlocking full potential before the World Cup

- India next faces Australia in a three-match ODI series starting September 14

The skipper’s century also marked her entry into the elite 4,000-run club in women’s ODIs, joining Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana.

Sources: ESPNcricinfo, India Today, Hindustan Times, NewsBytes, Sportstar, MSN India, ANI News, The Hindu