Harmanpreet Kaur continued to underline her stature in Indian women’s cricket with a magnificent 126 off 121 balls against Zimbabwe in the second ODI on Sunday, surpassing former captain Mithali Raj to become India’s second-highest century-maker in women’s ODIs.The former India captain’s landmark innings, complemented by Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 106 off 86 balls, powered India to a formidable 328/6 after they opted to bat first. Harmanpreet and Deepti shared a 153-run partnership to put the hosts in control after an early wobble.
Harmanpreet moves past Mithali in India’s century list
Harmanpreet’s eighth ODI century puts her outright second on India’s all-time list of women’s ODI centurions.
Most ODI centuries for India Women:
- 14 – Smriti Mandhana
- 8 – Harmanpreet Kaur
- 7 – Mithali Raj
- 3 – Punam Raut
- 3 – Jemimah Rodrigues
- 3 – Pratika Rawal
Her knock ended at 126 when Michelle Mavunga induced a mistimed shot down the ground, with substitute fielder Kudzai Chigora completing the catch at long-off.
Early setbacks before Harmanpreet, Pratika partnership
India did not enjoy the best of starts after electing to bat. Smriti Mandhana fell in the opening over after mistiming a pull shot, while Shafali Verma was caught at mid-wicket off Nomvelo Sibanda, leaving the hosts needing a partnership to steady the innings.Pratika Rawal joined Harmanpreet and helped rebuild India’s innings with a 124-run stand. Rawal scored a fluent 61 off 67 balls before being caught at deep mid-wicket in the 23rd over. Tejal Hasabnis also departed after failing to execute a slog sweep.Harmanpreet then took charge, pacing her innings expertly and ensuring India recovered from the early losses.After Rawal’s dismissal, Deepti Sharma joined Harmanpreet to produce another substantial partnership. The duo added 153 runs, taking India firmly towards the 300-run mark.Deepti remained unbeaten on 106 off 86 deliveries, striking 15 boundaries and reaching her second ODI century with a four towards square leg in the final over. Her innings ensured India finished strongly despite the loss of Harmanpreet and designated finisher Richa Ghosh.India and Zimbabwe are meeting in a bilateral women’s ODI series for the first time. The hosts’ imposing total of 328/6 has left Zimbabwe with a target of 329.
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