As the Indian women’s cricket team faced England in a much-anticipated ODI series decider at Chester-le-Street in the 3rd ODI on 22nd July 2025, all eyes were firmly set on their skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, in search of regaining her form and fluent rhythm.
The 36-year-old stalwart, renowned for her aggressive batting and calm leadership, achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming only the third Indian woman—after former skipper Mithali Raj and the current Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana—to surpass 4,000 runs in One-Day Internationals.
She achieved the landmark in her style with a classical front foot drive, caressing the field, piercing the gap to the left of cover for a boundary on the final ball of the 32nd over of the innings in the 9th over of Sophie Ecclestone’s spell, marking a grand entry into the 4,000 ODI runs club for the dynamic Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur in the crucial ODI series decider at Chester-le-Street.
A Journey Forged Through Grit and Brilliance
Harmanpreet’s international journey began over 16 years ago, in the green outfield at Bowral, facing Pakistan on 7th March 2009. From her first tentative steps in international cricket to her current stature as a global superstar, Harmanpreet has etched her name in history with every run, every boundary, and every inspirational knock.
In 129 ODI innings, she has amassed 4,006 runs, boasting an average of 37.43 and a strike rate of 75.25—a testament to her consistency and ability to adapt to various situations. Her tally includes 19 half-centuries and 6 centuries, each innings marked by a blend of elegance and raw power that is so uniquely “Harmanpreet.”
The Innings of Harmanpreet Kaur That Changed Everything
While Harmanpreet’s career is decorated with several fine knocks, none stand taller than her legendary 171* (115 balls) against Australia in the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final at Derby. Facing a formidable attack led by Meg Lanning, Harmanpreet’s onslaught, punctuated by 20 boundaries and 7 towering sixes, lifted India to 281/4 in a rain-reduced 42-over contest. That innings didn’t just propel India to their second-ever World Cup final, where they finished runners-up to England—it also announced the arrival of a fearless Indian women’s cricket team.
A Leader of the New Era – Harmanpreet Kaur
Since taking over the captaincy, Harmanpreet has shepherded the next generation of cricketers, blending youth and experience. Her leadership was on full display during the recently concluded T20I series in England. Under her guidance, Team India clinched a historic T20I series win, their first ever on English soil, winning the series 3–2 and sending a statement to the cricketing world about their intent and stature.
Her ability to inspire performances over the years from players like Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma—while shouldering the responsibility of leading from the front with the bat—has set new standards for Indian cricket.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Rare Landmark
Harmanpreet crosses the 4,000-run mark, joining the pantheon of Indian greats—Mithali Raj (7,805 runs) and Smriti Mandhana (4,588 runs)—the only two Indian women to achieve this ODI milestone. Beyond the numbers, this achievement will be a fitting recognition for her longevity, adaptability, and unyielding spirit.
Harmanpreet, ever the team player, has repeatedly stated that personal milestones are secondary to team success. Yet, there is little doubt that her entry into the 4,000-run club is well celebrated by her teammates, fans, and the cricket community worldwide.
Her story is not just about records; it’s about inspiring generations, shattering stereotypes, and leading Indian women’s cricket into a new epoch. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has scripted yet another golden chapter in her illustrious career, in a crucial series decider at Chester-le-Street.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.