The world of crickets got a lot of attention on December 24, as Harleen Deol scored his One Day International (ODI) century in the second ODI tournament West Indies at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. This success not only marked an important role for Deol but also helped him gain more exposure Indian women's cricket teamsetting the stage for the victory of the series.
Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal star in the innings
India's innings started and grew, thanks to the openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawalwho laid a solid foundation. Mandhana's powerful batting saw her score 53 runs off 47 balls before she was dismissed, which ended a perfect 100 partnership with Rawal. The young opener continued to impress, scoring his maiden ODI fifty with a commendable 76 runs off 86 balls. This strong start allowed Harleen to enter the crease in a strong position, where he was tasked with maintaining the momentum his teammates had created.
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Harleen Deol reflects on her teenage years
Coming in at number three, Harleen showed off her unique fighting skills. With poise and precision, he moved through the West Indies bowling attack, displaying a number of beautiful strokes. His innings was aggressively chosen, especially against loose deliveries, which allowed him to find opportunities with ease. Harleen reached his century in 62 balls and raced towards his century, then scored 115 runs off 103 balls, including an impressive 16 boundaries. He completed his century with a boundary Shamilia Connell in the 47th over, cementing his position as one of India's most important players in the game.
Harleen's strategic alliance takes India to a great risk
Harleen's innings was not only brilliant on its own; it was also about building important relationships. After Mandhana was dismissed, he made an important 62-run partnership with Rawal. After this, he agreed with the captain Harmanpreet Kaur adding another 43 runs before Kaur fell for 22 runs. In all these engagements, Harleen was steady, ensuring that India kept the flags and continued their aggressive approach.
Harleen's performance was crucial in helping India reach a formidable 358 runs for five wicketsโtying their total in women's ODIs. This success was fueled by Jemimah Rodrigues' explosive knock of 52 off just 36 balls, which led to a stunning partnership of 116 for the fourth wicket between him and Harleen. With four of the top five batsmen scoring fifties, India showed their depth and resilience against the West Indies bowling attack.
Here's how fans responded:
HARLEEN DEOL'S JOY AFTER FINISHING MAIDEN INTERNATIONAL HUNDRED ๐ค pic.twitter.com/qDHrs2ALKN
โ John. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 24, 2024
One of the greatest comebacks in cricket history ๐ซก
Maiden international hundred for Harleen Deol. ๐ฅ๐ pic.twitter.com/iqh9MQqLqY
โ Dhruv Thakur ๐ฎ๐ณ (@Dhruv_rajawat11) December 24, 2024
๐จ MAIDEN ODI YEARS OF HARLEEN DEOL ๐จ pic.twitter.com/B96v2OOsA5
– Aashutosh Goswami (@imAashutoshh) December 24, 2024
Wise prayer
Harleen Deol Breaks 102(98)* Against West Indies!
As a proud fan, I have been eagerly waiting for this moment – his best years after a serious injury. Harleen, you made the retreat one to remember!
I love you so much queen @imharleenDeol ๐ pic.twitter.com/VKp3JlVAU2
โ Rishi Ajnoti (@RishiAjnoti) December 24, 2024
Thank you very much Harleen deol ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏ pic.twitter.com/4a0ZAhwUfp
– Words From The Heart (@VishnuMahi72610) December 24, 2024
Harleen Deol scored a century against WI. She is the first Indian woman of the century in the last 3-4 years apart from Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.#INDvWIpic.twitter.com/fmfZh3Qghp
– Ganpat Teli (@gateposts_) December 24, 2024
A terrific shot from Harleen Deol ๐๐#cricket #INDvWI #HarleenDeol #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/OdzLZmaqeW
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 24, 2024
แดแดษชแด แดษด 1๏ธโฃ0๏ธโฃ0๏ธโฃ ๐
Harleen Deol brings herself a well-deserved hundred ๐@imharleenDeol pic.twitter.com/wWmHiTnCt4
– Pramod chik baraik (@pra_amod) December 24, 2024
Harleen Deol has become the 12th woman to hit a century for India in Women's ODIs.#harleendeol #INDvWI #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/EGZxtez2wR
– sudharshan sridharan (@sudharshansrid1) December 24, 2024
Harleen Deol came in to bat at number 3 for India today and made a stunning debut, scoring a hundred off just 98 balls against West Indies in the second ODI. ๐
A celebration held by Harleen after the completion of centuries. ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ณ๐#HarleenDeol #INDvWI #INDWVWIW pic.twitter.com/O4uEL5ngNq
– Sabir Zafar (@Sabir_Saabu01) December 24, 2024
Also READ: Renuka Singh Thakur and Smriti Mandhana's 91 will take India home in the opening ODI against West Indies.
This article was originally published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.