Harmanpreet Kaur surpassed Mithali Raj to become India’s second highest ODI centurion
Harmanpreet Kaur continued to highlight 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 an imposing 328/6 after opting to bat first. Harmanpreet and Deepti shared a partnership of 153 runs to put the hosts in control after an early wobble.
Harmanpreet moves behind Mithali in India’s century list
Harmanpreet’s eighth ODI century puts her second on India’s list of all women ODI centurions.
Most ODI Centuries for Indian Women:
- 14 – Smriti Mandhana
- 8 – Harmanpreet Kaur
- 7 – Mithali Raj
- 3 – Punam Raut
- 3 – Jemimah Rodrigues
- 3 – Pratika Rawal
Her knock ended on 126 when Michelle Mavunga induced a mistimed run down the ground, with substitute fielder Kudzai Chigora completing the catch at long-on.
Early setbacks to Harmanpreet and Pratika’s partnership
India did not enjoy the best of starts after electing to bat. Smriti Mandhana fell in the opener after a mistimed shot while Shafali Verma was caught at mid-wicket by Nomvelo Sibanda, leaving the hosts needing a partnership to steady the innings.Pratika Rawal joined Harmanpreet and helped rebuild the Indian 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 left after failing to execute a move.Harmanpreet then took charge, expertly trotted through her innings and ensured that India recovered from the early losses.After Rawal’s dismissal, Deepti Sharma joined Harmanpreet to form another notable partnership. The duo added 153 runs to take India firmly to the 300-run mark.Deepti remained unbeaten on 106 off 86 deliveries, hitting 15 boundaries and reaching her second ODI century with a four to four in the final over. Her innings ensured that India finished well despite losing Harmanpreet and designated finisher Rich Ghosh.India and Zimbabwe meet for the first time in a bilateral women’s ODI series. An impressive total of 328/6 for the hosts left Zimbabwe with a target of 329.