Harmanpreet Kaur Reaches Milestone, Becomes Second Indian Woman to Score Over 1,000 Runs as Captain in ODIs

Vadodara: Harmanpreet Kaur has etched her name in Indian cricket history by becoming only the second woman from India to score over 1,000 runs as captain in One Day Internationals (ODIs). She achieved this milestone during the first ODI of a three-match series against the West Indies on December 22 at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.

In just 26 matches as captain, Kaur surpassed the 1,000-run mark, joining the legendary Mithali Raj, who remains the highest run-scorer for India with 5,319 runs in 155 ODI matches as captain. Kaur’s accomplishment places her alongside Raj as one of the most influential leaders in Indian women’s cricket.

Currently, Harmanpreet has accumulated 1,012 runs as captain, maintaining an impressive average of 53.26. Her record includes three centuries and five fifties, with her highest score of 143* coming against England in September 2022 at Canterbury. Her consistent performances under pressure have solidified her status as one of India’s most valuable players.

This historic achievement is especially significant as Kaur becomes the 10th Indian batter, across both men’s and women’s cricket, to cross the 1,000-run mark as captain. The list of male cricketers includes icons like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Sourav Ganguly, further emphasizing her elite status.

Earlier in the match, returning after a knee injury, Harmanpreet made a quick yet impactful contribution of 34 runs off just 23 balls, helping India set a formidable total of 314/9. The team benefited from a solid opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and debutant Prakiti Rawal. Ultimately, India secured a massive 211-run victory, bowling out the West Indies for just 103 runs. Renuka Singh’s remarkable performance was a highlight, claiming five wickets for just 29 runs.