Harmanpreet Kaur, one of the most celebrated captains in Indian Women's Cricket, has been playing the T20 format since 2009.

The T20 Women's World Cup started in 2009. And Kaur has taken part in all eight versions, till the 2023 version, and is playing her 9th T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Her journey has been full of ups and downs. Hitting the rock bottom to rising up as the queen, leading her team from the front, her team has seen everything.

But someone who had set their eyes to the calm and composed demeanor of the former captain may find it hard to deal with the expressive nature of Kaur. From hitting big sixers like that in men's cricket to walking toward the umpires to have a chat regarding some decisions—not something nice to the traditional flagbearer of gentleman's cricket.

In many situations, she has been questioned about her form, which may not have rightly justified her aggression on the field. But the facilities she has been nurturing with. In her initial days, it is questionable to say, she didn't do enough!

Unfortunately, her 9th T20 World Cup hasn't rescued her from such questions. 11 runs in the two warm-up games, and 44 runs in the two matches she played in this World Cup. She left the field and retired-hurt due to certain injury concerns against Pakistan.

Kaur-aged same as T20 WC

Harmanpreet Kaur's first appearance in the Women's T20 World Cup was back in 2009, when she made her mark in the tournament held in England. 

The most experienced player from her side, she stands alongside great names like Stafanie Taylor, Suzie Bates, and Ellyse Perry to have played in every T20 World Cup.

So far, Kaur has played 35 matches, accumulating 576 runs with a not-so-decent average of 20.57.

Harmanpreet Kaur in the history books

The name Harmanpreet Kaur has been etched due to a few shocking deeds: it may sound like this—a "girl" that hit the monstrous six over the mid-wicket in the North Sydney Oval. It sounded so odd that she had to undergo a dope test.

Anyway, Kaur is always up for doing no-like-a-woman things, once making history by making a rampant 103-run innings in just 51 balls. It was in the 2018 T20 World Cup, at Guyana against New Zealand.

Kaur thus became the first-ever Indian woman centurion in T20 internationals.

It was her peak tournament. She averaged an impressive 45.75, leading India to the semifinals.

With her 183 total runs at the 2018 T20 World Cup, the captain has scored the second-highest number of runs for India at the tournament, 32 behind Mithali Raj’s 208 in 2014.

Consistently Inconsistent 

This is probably the best adjective, adverb, or whatever that can be given to the captain. At a point, when she looks dependable, she fails. And when expectations wash off, she rises up from the ashes, showing her true self. Confusing enough to support a possible conspiracy theory: if she needs to perform, do not expect anything from her.

Let alone the 2018 World Cup, Kaur’s statistics from the other World Cups have been mixed. In five of her T20 World Cups, her average hovered below 25, with 2014 and 2016 being particularly challenging for her, averaging as low as 4 and 8.66, respectively.

Ah! Sad enough for a fan as the stats don't come in support of the debate!

Bowling: The Forgotten Weapon

Primarily known for her explosive batting, her part-time off-spinning ability is a valuable asset for her team.

In T20Is, she has taken 32 wickets at an average of 24.84, with her best figures being 4 for 23. However, in recent years, Kaur has almost stopped bowling in T20Is, going 43 matches without rolling her arm over.

Leadership and Influence on Indian Women's Cricket

Harmanpreet Kaur’s legacy in the Women's T20 World Cup is a mixture of groundbreaking performances and moments of introspection. If not inspiring, but definitely a passage to the uncut aggression on the field, guiding and guarding players like her own.

She led India to the final of the T20 World Cup in 2020, where they finished runners-up to Australia. While her individual performance in the final did not meet expectations, her ability to guide a young Indian team to the grand stage was a testament to her leadership.

With more than 3,000 runs in T20 internationals, including 576 in World Cups, Kaur’s achievements make her one of India’s most successful T20I cricketers. The 2024 edition might well be her last World Cup, and she will be eager to leave a lasting impression, perhaps even lifting the trophy.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Indian women's cricket team for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. This tournament will be held in October and a list of 15 players has been released for this on Tuesday.

#TeamIndia squad for ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025⬇️

Harmanpreet Kaur (Capt), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (WK), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani,…

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) August 19, 2025

Also Read: India Cricket team's performance in every ICC Women's World Cup

Harmanpreet to lead the team

The responsibility of team selection was of the National Selection Committee, which is headed by former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar. He has handed over the command of the team to experienced all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur.

At the same time, left-handed opener Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as the vice-captain. Both the players have been the backbone of the Indian women's team for the last several years and they are expected to perform well in this tournament as well.

No Shafali Verma in the squad

Shafali Verma has been left out despite the head coach, Amol Majumdar, backing her after the England series. Shafali was part of the India A squad on the recently concluded Australia tour, but she couldn't impress much in six white-ball matches that included three One-Day games too. As for the squad, the Indian team has been picked on the expected lines with not much surprise in the offing.

Some new faces got the chance 

BCCI has selected a balanced team in which along with the experienced players, some new faces have also got a chance. In which players like Pratika Rawal, Sree Charani and Kranti Gaud will get a chance to prove themselves on a big stage like the World Cup for the first time. The selectors have made it clear that these young players have been selected on the basis of their domestic performance.

Strong bowling unit

The role of all-rounders will be important in the team. Players like Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana have the ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Renuka Singh and Arundhati Reddy will lead the fast bowling attack. Radha Yadav and Sneh Rana will strengthen the spin department.

Players to take part in a special training camp

According to the team management, the players will take part in a special training camp before the World Cup, in which special attention will be paid to fitness, strategy and match simulation. The goal is that the team should enter the field fully prepared and become a strong contender to win the title.

Also Read: ICC Women's World Cup Past Winners & Most Successful Teams

ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: India Squad

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud.

The 13th edition of the ICC Women's ODI Cricket World Cup will begin on September 30 with co-hosts India and Sri Lanka facing off in the opening match of the tournament at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Defending champions Australia are the most successful team in the history of the Women’s World Cup having won it seven times. England have won it five times and New Zealand once.

In this article, we will have a look at the top 10 batters with most runs in ICC Women's World Cup.

Also Read: ICC Women's World Cup Past Winners & Most Successful Teams

Most Runs in ICC Women's World Cup

10. Claire Taylor | 856 runs

Claire Taylor played 19 World Cup matches and batted in 18 innings, scoring 856 runs at an impressive average of 61.14 and a strike rate of 77.11. She hit three centuries in World Cups, and her highest score of 137 not out came in a tough match against Australia, where she stood firm till the end.

She began her World Cup journey with quiet performances but quickly grew into a powerful presence in the team. In the 2009 ODI World Cup, she was at her very best. She scored 324 runs in the tournament, including one century and two fifties, and was named Player of the Tournament.

9. Harmanpreet Kaur | 876 runs

Harmanpreet Kaur has been one of the biggest match-winners for India in ODI World Cups. She has played 26 World cup matches and scored 876 runs in 22 innings with a strong average of 51.52 and a strike rate of 94.39. Her three centuries include one of the most iconic knocks in women’s cricket. Her top score of 171 not out against Australia in the 2017 semi-final is remembered as a turning point for Indian women’s cricket.

Harmanpreet began her World Cup journey in 2009, but it was in 2013 that she truly showed her talent with a fighting century against England. In 2017, her unbeaten 171 became a historic moment, making her a household name in India. That innings not only helped India reach the final but also brought women’s cricket into the spotlight.

8. Meg Lanning | 948 runs

Meg Lanning has been one of the most dependable players in the history of the ODI World Cup. She has played 22 matches and batted in all of them, scoring 948 runs at a solid average of 52.66 and a strike rate of 88.68. She has scored three centuries in ODI World Cups, with her highest score being 152 not out.

Lanning became the youngest Australian to score an international century at the age of 18. In the 2013 ODI World Cup, she was one of Australia’s leading run scorers and continued to lead from the front in future tournaments.

7. Karen Rolton | 974 runs

Karen Rolton, in her ODI World Cup career, played 28 matches and batted in 22 innings, scoring a total of 974 runs. Her batting average of 74.92 is among the best in the tournament’s history. With a strong strike rate of 85.58, she often dominated bowling attacks and helped Australia build or chase totals with ease.

Rolton scored three centuries in the ODI World Cups. Her highest score was an unbeaten 154. One of her most memorable performances came in the 2005 World Cup final, where she scored a brilliant hundred and was named Player of the Match, helping Australia lift the title.

6. Belinda Clark | 1151 runs

Belinda Clark was one of Australia’s finest players in ODI history. She played 29 matches in the Women’s World Cup and scored 1151 runs at a brilliant average of 60.57 and a strike rate of 76.77. Clark scored one century in the ODI World Cups, and that was a record-breaking 229 not out against Denmark in 1997. This knock remains one of the highest individual scores in women’s ODI history. 

In 1997, she led Australia to the World Cup title, and once again, in 2005, she guided her team to another championship win without losing a single game.

Also Read: Indian batters to score an international ton in all formats: Smriti Mandhana joins an elite list

5. Suzie Bates | 1179 runs

Suzie Bates made her international cricket debut in 2006. Since then, she has become one of New Zealand’s most reliable and attacking ODI batters. 

In the ODI World Cup, Bates has played 27 matches, scoring a total of 1179 runs at an impressive average of 56.14 and a strike rate of 84.82. She has registered four centuries, with her highest score being a breathtaking 168 off just 105 balls against Pakistan.

In the 2013 World Cup, Suzie Bates was named Player of the Tournament for her outstanding performance. She received the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award in the same year.

4. Charlotte Edwards | 1231 runs

Charlotte Edwards was one of the most successful captains in England’s ODIs. In total, Edwards played 30 ODI World Cup matches, where she scored 1231 runs at an incredible average of 53.52. She maintained a strong strike rate of 73.62 and registered four centuries, with her highest score being the unforgettable 173.

Edwards made her ODI debut at the age of 16. In 1997, she stunned the world by scoring 173* against Ireland during a World Cup match, a record-breaking innings that announced her arrival on the world stage.

As a captain, she inspired her team with confidence and focus. Her leadership helped England win the 2009 World Cup, and she remained a key figure in World Cup campaigns throughout her career.

3. Janette Brittin | 1299 runs

Janette Ann Brittin was one of the most dependable and consistent batters in the history of women’s ODI cricket. When it comes to ODI World Cups, Janette’s performance was unmatched. She played 36 World Cup matches, scoring 1299 runs at an excellent average of 43.3, with a strike rate of 60.4. She remains one of the top performers in the tournament’s history, with 4 World Cup centuries, including a best of 138*.

Overall 63 ODI matches, Brittin scored 2121 runs with a solid average of 42.42.

2. Mithali Raj | 1321 runs

Mithali Raj is one of the most iconic players in Women’s One Day Internationals. In the ODI World Cups, Mithali played in 38 matches with 1321 runs at a brilliant average of 47.17 and a strike rate of 67.67. With two centuries, including a top score of 109 and 11 match-winning fifties. 

Mithali made her ODI debut at the young age of 16. She immediately impressed everyone in her first ODI with 114*. Over the years, she became the leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs with 7805 runs. She is the first player to cross the mark of 6000 runs in ODI history. 

Notably, Mithali is the only Indian captain (male or female) to have led India into two ODI World Cup finals, in 2005 and again in 2017. During the 2017 World Cup, she scored 409 runs, finishing as India’s top scorer and the second-highest overall in the tournament.

Also Read: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Full Schedule announced; India to face Pakistan on October 5

1. Debbie Hockley | 1501 runs

Debbie Hockley is one of the most respected names in women’s cricket history. She participated in 45 World Cup matches, scoring 1501 runs at an impressive average of 42.88 and a strike rate of 57.16. She hit two centuries, with her highest score being an unbeaten 100.* She became the first woman to score over 1500 runs and appear in more than 40 World Cup matches, which is another record in women’s World Cup history. 

Hockley also represented New Zealand in 118 ODIs, where she scored 4064 runs and became the first woman ever to cross the 4000-run mark in this format.

Indian cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur shared her Player of the match award with youngster Kranti Goud, after India's historic WODI series against England on Tuesday in Chester-le-Street. India had won their maiden WODI series on English soil in 2022 and have now recorded their successive series win there.

Not only that, after winning their first-ever WT20I series on English soil, India registered their WODI series win, which makes it their most successful England tour ever. 

After winning the first WODI of the series, England made a great comeback at Lord's. In the final match of the series, India then managed a narrow 13-run win at Durham International Cricket Ground.

𝐓𝟐𝟎𝐈 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 🏆 ✅
𝐎𝐃𝐈 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 🏆✅

Watch #ENGWvINDW 3️⃣rd ODI - Highlights on #SonyLIV 📲 pic.twitter.com/JJ1iJcj2eF

— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) July 22, 2025

What happened in the match?

India won the toss and decided to bat first. After a good opening partnership of 64 runs, India lost Pratika Rawal on 26 off 33 balls. After that, England bowlers bounced back well, and in the meantime, India wanted to play out Sophie Ecclestone's spell. 

With Harleen Deol struggling to get going, Smriti Mandhana wanted to push the accelerator. However, she lost her wicket while doing that after a solid 45 from 54 balls.

Read Also | Indian batters to score an international ton in all formats: Smriti Mandhana joins an elite list

Post that, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur came out positively and built a solid 81-run partnership with Harleen Deol, who got out after scoring 45 off 65 balls. But Harmanpreet Kaur did not lose the momentum as she built another solid partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues. 

Kaur, who completed her fifty in just 54 balls, had an 110-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues. Jemimah perished after an attacking 50 from 45 balls while Harmanpreet Kaur reached her 7th WODI ton in just 82 balls. 

Read Also | Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: No one is catching Smriti Mandhana

India finished the first inning with 318/5 on the board. Kaur scored 102 of them in just 84 balls. Richa Ghosh played an unbeaten 38-run inning from just 18 balls.

The second inning started really well for India with youngster Kranti Goud cleaning up Tammy Beaumont's stumps in the first over. She then dismissed Amy Jones in her next over, with Deepti Sharma taking a stunning catch at gully.

But after that, England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Emma Lamb steadied the ship for the home side. For the third wicket, they piled 162 runs with Lamb scoring 68 off 81 balls before getting out.

However, the turning point of the match was when Deepti Sharma was able to get the big wicket of England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. Sciver-Brunt was first given not out, but an excellent review by India sent her back to the pavilion after an inning of 98 off 105 balls. 

Post that, it was all about Kranti Goud, who picked up four more wickets to help India win by 15 runs. Goud finished with an excellent bowling figure of 9.5-1-2-6.

At 21 years 345 days, Kranti Gaud is the youngest pace bowler to take 6 or more wickets in a women's ODI innings. The previous youngest was England's Jo Chamberlain, who was 22y 85d when she took 7-8 against Denmark in 1991.

Kaur shared her player of the match award with Goud

From Captain with lots of heart and love ❤️

A special gesture for a special spell 👌👌

Captain @ImHarmanpreet shares her Player of the Match award with Kranti Gaud and presents her with a signed ball & a special message ✍️#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/vRVNlTOBkF

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) July 23, 2025

After the historic series win, captain Harmanpreet Kaur shared her well-deserved Player of the Match Award with Kranti Goud, who was playing only her 4th WODI match. Goud picked up 6 wickets, which was influential for India's victory. 

"Really happy with the way Kranti and all of them bowled, it shows how keen they were to win this match and the series," Harmanpreet Kaur said in the post-match presentation.

"I want to share the Player of the Match award with Kranti because she bowled one of the best spells of her career. The way she executed all the plans, I think she deserves to win the Player of the match award," Kaur said while handing the award to Kranti Goud. 

Harmanpreet Kaur signed the match ball for Goud as well.

Deepti Sharma scored an unbeaten 62 from 64 balls in the first ENGWvsINDW ODI to help India chase 259 with ease in Southampton on Wednesday.

India chased down England's total with four wickets in hand. Along with Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues scored an important 48 off 54 for India.

What happened in the match?

India were coming from a historic maiden T20I series win on English soil and as a team looked confident, as the reharshal for the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 continues for them.

India struck early but lost the momentum

Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and decided to bat first. Her decision took a back seat when Kranti Goud dismissed Amy Jones (1) in her first and inning's second over. Soon, Tammy Beaumont (5) became Goud's second hunt in the fourth over of the match.

At 20/2, England needed a partnership, and Emma Lamb and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt provided that for them. A 71-run partnership for the third wicket bailed them out.

India did miss their chances as Smriti Mandhana dropped Nat Sciver-Brunt on 34, but soon England lost Emma Lamb on 39. Sneh Rana came to the rescue for India with the wicket.

Rana again struck for India in the next over as Jemimah Rodrigues took a sharp catch at short midwicket. The England captain went back to the dressing room on 41 from 52 balls.

Dunkley and Davidson-Richards add 106 for the fifth wicket

When India were hoping to keep the hosts under 200, Sophia Dunkley and Alice Davidson-Richards' 106-run partnership poured water on that plan.

Both Alice Davidson-Richards (on 16) and Sophia Dunkley (on 23) were dropped by Goud and Jemimah in consecutive overs to help England build that partnership.

Dunkley went on to complete her 6th WODI fifty while Davidson-Richards scored her second WODI fifty. Davidson-Richards was finally outfoxed by Shree Charani on 53 from 73 as she looked to get going with the run rate.

Sophie Ecclestone gave Dunkley a good hand with an unbeaten 23 from 19 balls. Meantime, Dunkley (83 from 92) was bowled in the last ball of the inning as England scored a modest 258/6 in the first inning.

Read Also | Why can't Indian Women's Cricket team win any trophies? Here are the reasons and solutions to that

Strong start from India, but England struck back

During the chase, India got off to a strong start with the bat, thanks to a solid opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal.

However, India lost Mandhana in the 8th over as Amy Jones took a good catch to dismiss her on 28 from 24 balls.

India lost Rawal (36 from 51) in the 19th over, but till then the run rate had reached close to run-a-ball. 

Soon, an inept run from Harleen Deol (27 from 44) put India under more pressure. A casual run out and India her in the 22nd over. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (17 from 27 balls) also returned to the dressing room after Charlie Dean trapped her in front of the wicket.

Deepti and Jemimah add 90 for the fifth wicket for India

But, a 90-run partnership for the fifth wicket bailed India out of the danger. 

Jemimah played a solid inning of 48 from 54 balls before perishing against Lauren Filer in the 42nd over. With India needing 45 from 51 balls, Deepti remained calm under pressure to take India over the line.

Amanjot Kaur again proved her all-around skill with an unbeaten 20 from 14 balls. 

Kaur hit back-to-back boundaries to seal the match, while Deepti watched from the other end on 62 from 64 balls. 

Deepti Sharma was named player of the match for her excellent inning. India now lead the three-match series 1-0. Not to forget India won the WODI series 3-0 last time on English soil. The second ENGWvsINDW WODI will be played at Lord's on 19th July 2025.

The Indian Women's Cricket team registered their first-ever T20I series win on English soil, after taking an insurmountable lead of 3-1 in the five-match series. In the fourth match of the series, the Women in Blue defeated England by 6 wickets with 18 balls to go to seal the series in Manchester.

Indian spinners set up the game for them. Tammy Beaumont's decision to bat first was struck by the Indian spin trio of Shree Charani, Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav. England could only reach 126/7 in the first inning, which India chased down easily. 

What happened in the match? 

India were chasing history after winning the first two games of the series. But England, one of the strongest teams in the world, looked in form after winning the last game. 

However, Indian bowlers struck early, and Harmanpreet Kaur's plan to keep rotating the bowlers worked very well. Amanjot Kaur, Shree Charani, Deepti Sharma, and Arundhati Reddy all bowled one over each in the first four overs. 

Shree was able to get the wicket of Danni Wyatt-Hodge (5) in the third over, while Sophia Dunkley (22) was dismissed by Deepti in the final over of the powerplay. 

After the first two wickets, Tammy Beaumont and Alice Capsey tried to build a partnership for England. But once Radha Yadav got rid of the English captain in the 11th over, it was all about India after that. 

Sophie Ecclestone, at the end, added a quick 16 from 10 balls to take England to 126/7 in the first inning. Radha Yadav with 4-15-2 was the pick of the bowlers for India. Shree Charani also picked up two wickets for 30 for the Indian team.

During the chase, Shafali Varma gave India a flying start with her 31 from 19 balls. Although Smriti Mandhana (32) was dismissed soon after that, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur (26), along with Jemimah Rodrigues, built a 48-run partnership to take India close to the total. 

Eventually India won the match by 6 wickets with 18 balls remaining as Jemimah (24*) hit the winning runs for them. 

Radha Yadav was named the player of the match. 

Why is the ENG-W vs IND-W series win important?

The ENG-1 vs IND-W series was a stage rehearsal for the Indian Women's Cricket team as they will look to win their first-ever T20I World Cup next year in England.

So, the memories of winning their maiden T20 series here would definitely give them confidence when they come back to England next year.