India Clinch Series with Tense 13‑Run Win
On July 22, 2025, at Riverside Ground in Chester‑le‑Street, India sealed a thrilling 13-run win over England in the third and final ODI of the series. Batting first, India posted a commanding total of 318/5. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a sublime century. In response, England fought valiantly but were bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs. With this result, India clinched the ODI series 2–1, following their 3–2 T20I series win earlier on the tour.
Harmanpreet’s Captain’s Knock Steals the Show
Harmanpreet Kaur scored a brilliant 102 off 84 deliveries, anchoring India’s innings and demonstrating her vast experience and skill. She formed crucial partnerships throughout the innings, including a 64-run stand with Smriti Mandhana, followed by 81 runs with Harleen Deol, and then a game-changing 110-run stand with Jemimah Rodrigues. With this century, Kaur became the third Indian woman to cross 4,000 ODI runs and also made history as the first overseas player to hit three ODI centuries in England.
Kranti Goud’s Fiery Spell Decides the Match
The standout bowling performance came from 21-year-old pacer Kranti Goud, who claimed 6 wickets for 52 runs in 9.5 overs. Her fiery spell dismantled England’s top order, removing Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones early. Although England fought back with a 162-run partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt (98) and Emma Lamb (68), Goud returned to clean up the tail and secure victory. Her performance made her the second-youngest Indian woman to take a five-wicket haul in ODIs and one of only three Indians to take six wickets in a WODI on foreign soil.
A Touch of Sportsmanship: Kaur Shares Her Award
After the match, in a heartwarming gesture, Harmanpreet Kaur handed her Player of the Match award to Kranti Goud. She even signed the match ball with the words, “You are a star,” recognizing the youngster’s game-winning performance. Kaur later praised Goud’s bowling as one of the best she had seen and lauded the young player’s smooth transition from domestic cricket and the WPL into the international scene.
India’s Growing Strength in Women’s Cricket
This series win reflects the rising strength of India’s women’s cricket team. The squad showcased a perfect mix of experience and youthful energy. While leaders like Kaur and Mandhana provided stability, emerging talents like Kranti Goud and Shree Charani added impact and flair. Fielding, too, was sharp and disciplined, something Kaur credited to months of intense practice and planning. With back-to-back series wins on English soil, the Indian team has announced itself as a formidable white-ball unit.
Looking Ahead
India’s performance in England serves as a major confidence booster ahead of future international competitions. With Harmanpreet Kaur’s inspirational leadership, the emergence of impactful bowlers, and solid team coordination, India’s women’s cricket team is poised to become a global powerhouse.
