The cricket world witnessed a remarkable performance on December 24, as Harleen Deol He scored his first One Day International (ODI) century during the second ODI against West Indies at the Kotambi stadium in Vadodara. This achievement not only marked an important personal milestone for Deol but also contributed to a dominant display by the team. Indian women’s cricket teamsetting the stage for a possible series victory.
Stellar start to Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal’s innings
India’s innings started with a flourish, thanks to the openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawalwho laid a solid foundation. Mandhana’s aggressive batting saw her score 53 runs off just 47 balls before running out, ending a productive 100-run partnership with Rawal. The young opener continued to impress, scoring her first ODI fifty off a commendable 76 runs off 86 balls. This strong start allowed Harleen to enter the box in a position of strength, where she was tasked with maintaining the momentum established by her teammates.
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Harleen Deol turns first century
Coming in at number three, Harleen showcased her exceptional batting skills. With poise and precision, he navigated through the West Indies bowling attack, displaying an array of elegant strokes. His innings were characterized by aggressive shot selection, particularly against loose deliveries, allowing him to effortlessly find spaces. Harleen reached his half-century in 62 balls and accelerated towards his century, eventually scoring 115 runs in 103 balls, including an impressive 16 boundaries. He completed his century with a boundary Shamilia Connell in the 47th minute, solidifying her status as one of India’s key players in the match.
Harleen’s strategic partnerships lead India to massive total
Harleen’s innings were not just about individual brilliance; it was also about building crucial partnerships. After Mandhana’s dismissal, he formed a vital 62-run partnership with Rawal. After this, he collaborated with the captain Harmanpreet Kaur to add another 43 runs before Kaur fell cheap by 22 runs. Throughout these partnerships, Harleen maintained her composure, ensuring that India kept the scoreboard ticking and maintained their aggressive approach.
Harleen’s outstanding performance was instrumental in propelling India to an impressive total of 358 runs for five wickets, tying their highest total in women’s ODIs. This score was reinforced by Jemimah Rodrigues‘ explosive knock of 52 runs off just 36 balls, contributing to a remarkable partnership of 116 runs for the fourth wicket between her and Harleen. With four of the top five batsmen scoring fifties, India demonstrated their batting depth and resilience against the West Indies bowling attack.
This is how the fans reacted:
HARLEEN DEOL’S CELEBRATION AFTER COMPLETING THE MAIDEN INTERNATIONAL HUNDRED 🤍 pic.twitter.com/qDHrs2ALKN
—Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 24, 2024
One of the greatest comebacks in cricket history 🫡
First international hundred for Harleen Deol. 🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/iqh9MQqLqY
—Dhruv Thakur 🇮🇳 (@Dhruv_rajawat11) December 24, 2024
🚨 MAID ODI HUNDRED FOR HARLEEN DEOL 🚨 pic.twitter.com/B96v2OOsA5
– Aashutosh Goswami (@imAashutoshh) December 24, 2024
Genius Prayer
Harleen Deol smashes a 102 (98)* century against West Indies!
As a proud fan, I have been eagerly awaiting this moment – his brilliant century after a tough injury. Harleen, you have made this return truly unforgettable!
I love you so much queen @imharleenDeol 💗 pic.twitter.com/VKp3JlVAU2
—Rishi Ajnoti (@RishiAjnoti) December 24, 2024
Congratulations Harleen deol 🥰🥰🥰🥰 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯 pic.twitter.com/4a0ZAhwUfp
— Voice of the Heart (@VishnuMahi72610) December 24, 2024
Harleen Deol scored a century against WI. She is the first Indian woman centurian in the last 3-4 years, apart from Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.#INDvWIpic.twitter.com/fmfZh3Qghp
– Ganpat Teli (@gateposts_) December 24, 2024
Excellent batting performance by Harleen Deol 👏🏏#cricket #INDvWI #HarleenDeol #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/OdzLZmaqeW
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 24, 2024
ᴍᴀɪᴅᴇɴ 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ 👏
Harleen Deol gets a well-deserved hundred 🙌@imharleenDeol pic.twitter.com/wWmHiTnCt4
– Pramod chik baraik (@pra_amod) December 24, 2024
“Harleen Deol becomes 12th batsman to smash Century for India in Women’s ODI”.#harleendeol #INDvWI #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/EGZxtez2wR
— sudharshan sridharan (@sudharshansrid1) December 24, 2024
Harleen Deol came into bat today at number 3 for India and then played a sensational knock, scoring a hundred off just 98 balls against the West Indies in the second ODI. 👏
Harleen’s celebration after completing the first international hundred. 💯🇮🇳🌟#HarleenDeol #INDvWI #INDWvWIW pic.twitter.com/O4uEL5ngNq
– Sabir Zafar (@Sabir_Saabu01) December 24, 2024
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This article was first published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times business.