India women edged past England by 13 runs in a high-octane ODI decider at Durham on Tuesday, July 22, clinching the three-match series 2-1. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s stunning century and a match-winning six-wicket haul by young pacer Kranti Goud sealed the win for the visitors in front of a packed Riverside Ground.

India Triumph in a 100-Over Classic

England, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, pushed India to the edge in pursuit of 319. Despite spirited knocks from Sciver-Brunt (98), Emma Lamb, and Alice Davidson-Richards (44), the chase fell short as India’s bowlers held their nerve in a game filled with momentum swings.

On a flat Durham pitch, India’s 318 proved just enough as Kranti Goud ran through the English middle and lower order, finishing with 6/52 – a performance for the ages by the 21-year-old.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s Redemption Arc

Under pressure and out of form, Harmanpreet Kaur delivered when it mattered most. Walking in at No. 4, the Indian skipper smashed her 7th ODI century, her first major knock on the England tour after just 89 runs in six games (including T20Is).

Her commanding presence at the crease helped rebuild after a mid-innings slowdown, stitching key partnerships with Harleen Deol and later Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored freely from the other end.

Late Fireworks and a 300+ Finish

Richa Ghosh added the finishing touches with a fiery 38 off 18 balls*, propelling India to 318 – their highest-ever ODI score against England. The total looked challenging, especially considering England’s recent batting woes.

Kranti Goud Seals It With Six-Fer

England’s openers faltered again, but the Lamb-Sciver partnership stabilized their innings. However, once Sciver fell short of her century, Kranti Goud capitalized, tearing through the middle-order with a deadly mix of pace and precision.

England kept fighting till the end, but the scoreboard pressure mounted. Davidson-Richards' gritty cameo wasn’t enough as India closed out a historic win.

Player of the Match and Series: Harmanpreet Kaur

Harmanpreet Kaur was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for her match-defining ton. Kranti Goud, meanwhile, etched her name in the record books with her six-wicket haul, continuing her dream start in international cricket.

Series Summary

• 1st ODI: India won

• 2nd ODI: England bounced back

• 3rd ODI: India won by 13 runs

This win marks India's first ODI and T20I series triumph on English soil, giving them a major morale boost ahead of the Australia tour and the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup.