Harmanpreet Kaur once again proved her value as a leader and finisher, scoring an unbeaten 66 to guide India Women to a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka Women in the third ODI, sealing a 3–0 series sweep. Walking in at a tricky stage of the chase, Harmanpreet produced a calm, authoritative innings that steadied India after early setbacks and ensured there were no late stumbles.
Chasing a modest but competitive target, India found themselves under pressure early as Sri Lanka struck with the new ball. Quick wickets disrupted the top order, and for a brief period, the chase looked less straightforward than expected. The run rate was not demanding, but with wickets falling, India needed composure more than aggression. That composure arrived in the form of their captain.
Harmanpreet’s approach was measured from the outset. She focused on settling in, defending solidly and rotating strike to halt Sri Lanka’s momentum. Rather than forcing boundaries, she trusted her ability to pick gaps and wait for scoring opportunities. This calculated approach immediately brought stability to India’s innings and eased the pressure on her batting partners.
As the innings progressed, Harmanpreet gradually shifted gears. Once set, she began to assert herself against both spin and pace, using her strong wrists to work the ball through the leg side and driving confidently down the ground. Her shot selection was precise, reflecting a clear understanding of the match situation and the requirements of the chase.
The middle overs became the defining phase of the game. Sri Lanka attempted to tighten the screws with disciplined bowling and attacking field placements, but Harmanpreet remained unfazed. She countered with intelligent placement rather than brute force, ensuring India stayed ahead of the required rate without taking unnecessary risks. Each small partnership she built brought India closer to the target and drained belief from the bowling side.
One of the most impressive aspects of Harmanpreet’s innings was her game awareness. She constantly communicated with her partners, managed strike expertly, and ensured that wickets were preserved for the final stretch. Her calm presence ensured that even when Sri Lanka picked up a wicket, there was no sense of panic in the Indian camp.
As the target came within reach, Harmanpreet remained focused on finishing the job. She picked up key boundaries to close the gap and then shifted back into control mode, ensuring there were no dramatic twists at the end. Her unbeaten 66 was not just the highest-impact innings of the match, but also the clearest demonstration of leadership under pressure.
India crossed the line comfortably, with Harmanpreet still at the crease — a fitting end to a dominant series. Her innings encapsulated everything India have done well throughout the tour: absorb pressure, build partnerships, and finish games professionally.
This knock also reinforced Harmanpreet Kaur’s importance in the ODI setup. In matches where early plans go wrong, her ability to steady the innings and guide chases remains invaluable. The series sweep will be remembered as a collective effort, but in the final ODI, it was Harmanpreet’s composure and class that ensured India finished the job without drama.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025