In a gripping first Women’s ODI at Southampton, India overcame England by four wickets in a tense chase, but it was Harleen Deol’s extraordinary and almost comical run-out that became the talking point of the match. The moment, which defied logic and awareness, stunned players and fans alike, even as India displayed composure to take a 1–0 lead in the series.
During the 21st over of India’s chase of 259, Deol was involved in a mix-up that resulted in one of the strangest dismissals seen in modern cricket. Attempting a quick single, she tapped the ball towards mid-on and rushed to the non-striker’s end. As the throw came in, she attempted to stretch her bat to make her ground—but both her bat and foot were in the air when the stumps were hit. Replays confirmed that no part of her body or bat was grounded behind the crease, and she was ruled out. The run-out, bizarre in execution, left her teammates and spectators stunned.
The dismissal could have been a turning point in the match. At that stage, India were cruising at 102 for 2 and Deol had settled into a fluent rhythm with 27 runs off 44 balls. But her wicket triggered a mini collapse, and India soon found themselves under pressure.
However, the experienced Deepti Sharma came to India’s rescue with an unbeaten 62. Calm, composed, and tactically astute, she stitched together a 90-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues, who played a steady hand with 48. Their partnership not only repaired the damage but also kept the chase on track despite rising pressure from England’s bowling attack.
Earlier in the day, England posted a competitive 258/6, thanks to Sophia Dunkley’s 83 and Alice Davidson-Richards’ 53. The Indian bowling unit, led by Sneh Rana with figures of 2 for 31, did well to restrict England at the death. Kranti Goud’s two wickets also proved crucial in keeping England from posting a 280-plus total.
Despite Deol’s freakish dismissal, India showed great resilience. After Rodrigues’ dismissal, Amanjot Kaur added a swift and vital unbeaten 20 from just 14 balls, ensuring that the chase was completed with 10 balls remaining. Deepti’s poise under pressure earned her the Player of the Match award.
Harleen Deol’s run-out, though unfortunate, is likely to be replayed for years as a lesson in basic awareness and cricketing discipline. The image of her suspended mid-air, with bat hovering above the crease, will remain etched in cricketing folklore.
As India heads into the second ODI at Lord’s with a 1–0 lead, they carry not just momentum, but a reminder of how games can turn on moments of brilliance—and bizarre lapses. The match was a perfect cocktail of drama, skill, and absurdity, making it one of the most memorable ODIs in recent memory.