In a pulsating finale at Chester‑le‑Street, India Women emerged victorious by 13 runs, sealing the three‑match ODI series 2–1. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a match‑defining century, outshining England skipper Nat Sciver‑Brunt’s brave 98.
After winning the toss, India chose to bat and posted a formidable 318/5. Kaur anchored the innings with a classy 102 off 84 balls, her seventh ODI hundred and making her the first visiting woman batter to notch three centuries in England, while surpassing 4,000 ODI runs. She shared a crucial 110‑run fourth‑wicket partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues (50), bolstering an aggressive finish that saw India add 120 runs in the final 10 overs
England’s reply rocked early with Kranti Goud dismantling the top order. Despite this, Sciver‑Brunt and Emma Lamb counterpunched with a 162‑run stand, England’s record third‑wicket stand against India in ODIs. However, once Goud returned, the momentum shifted decisively. Sciver‑Brunt was dismissed for 98, caught just shy of a century, and although England pushed hard, they finished at 305 all out.
Kaur’s century earned her Player of the Match and Series honours. India’s blend of experience and emerging talent shone through, while England’s spirited fightback earned praise even in defeat. With this inspiring win, India heads home with momentum and confidence ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
