India Secures Women's ODI Series Victory with Kaur's Century Against England

In a thrilling conclusion to their tour, India clinched the third women's one-day international (ODI) against England by a narrow margin of 13 runs, securing a 2-1 series victory at Chester-le-Street on July 22, 2025. The standout performance came from Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored a brilliant century, notching 102 runs and leading her team to a formidable total of 318 runs for five wickets. England, despite a valiant effort, ended their innings at 305 runs all out, falling short of their ambitious target.

The match began on a shaky note for England, who lost two wickets for just eight runs. However, a resilient partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt and Emma Lamb provided the hosts with renewed hope as they added 162 runs for the third wicket, significantly stabilizing the innings. Sciver-Brunt, who was the top scorer for England, fell just short of her century, managing 98 runs before being caught out by Richa Ghosh. Lamb contributed a solid 68 runs before her dismissal, leaving England in a precarious position as they required 55 runs from the last five overs.

Despite contributions from players like Sophia Dunkley and Charlie Dean, England's chances were dashed, primarily due to the impressive bowling from Indian seamers, particularly Kranti Goud, who took six wickets for 52 runs. This performance was pivotal in slowing England's momentum, ensuring that India emerged victorious. The match showcased not only Kaur's batting prowess but also Goud's exceptional bowling skills, underscoring the depth of talent within the Indian women's cricket team.

"We’ve been so composed and smart – the way we navigated that run chase today from 20 for two was outstanding," commented Charlotte Edwards, England's coach, highlighting the improvements in her team's approach to high-pressure situations. The match also served as a learning experience for England regarding their Decision Review System (DRS) management, as they missed two crucial referrals that could have turned the tide in their favor.

India's win is particularly significant as it comes just ten weeks ahead of the Women's World Cup, providing a confidence boost to the team. Kaur's century marks her seventh ODI hundred, a testament to her ability to perform under pressure. This match also highlighted the evolving dynamics within women's cricket, where both teams displayed remarkable skill and resilience.

Looking ahead, the Indian team will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup, while England will seek to address their inconsistencies and refine their strategies for future matches. The series has not only showcased individual talents but has also set the stage for a competitive World Cup, with both teams eager to make their mark on the international stage. The performance of the players, particularly in high-stakes situations, will be crucial in determining their success in the forthcoming tournaments.