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The first Women’s ODI between England and India at the Rose Bowl, Southampton, became the talk of the cricketing world for reasons both thrilling and unexpected. While India edged past the hosts in a tense chase to claim a vital four-wicket victory and go 1-0 up in the series, it was Harleen Deol’s inexplicable run out that dominated headlines. Deol, batting confidently after the early fall of Smriti Mandhana, fell victim to a momentary lapse in judgment that left fans—and herself—stunned.
Harleen Deol’s leap led to disaster in ENG-W vs IND-W 1st ODI
Deol walked to the crease with India at 48 for one, offering a stable presence as the team chased England’s challenging total of 259. Showing intent from the outset, the No. 3 batter stitched together crucial runs and looked set for a substantive knock. But cricket, as ever, thrives on drama, and in the 22nd over, the game delivered a bizarre twist.
Deol tapped the ball from Charlie Dean toward the on-side and went for a quick single. Alice Davidson-Richards showed sharp reflexes, swooping in and unleashing a direct hit at the non-striker’s end. On live viewing, Deol appeared to have made it, but technology told a different story: her bat and foot were both airborne as the bails came off. The third umpire confirmed she was short—run out for 27 off 44 balls. The mode of dismissal—a leap instead of a grounded bat—invited heavy criticism online, with commentators and fans alike branding it a “rookie error” on the international stage.
Here’s the video:
Direct hit. GONE.
ADR, quick hands 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hYCaSlcbCv
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 16, 2025
Also READ: ENG-W vs IND-W: Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 62 propels India to victory in 1st ODI
India pulls a tightrope walk to victory over England
Despite the setback, the Indian side showed admirable composure. The chase, though briefly destabilized by Deol’s bizarre exit and midfielder collapses, regained momentum through the tenacity of Jemimah Rodrigues (48), the all-round skills of Deepti Sharma (unbeaten 62), and late fireworks from Amanjot Kaur (20*). Key partnerships kept the scoreboard ticking, with Deepti and Jemimah adding 87 for the fifth wicket, which proved vital in chasing down the target.
Earlier, England’s Sophia Dunkley (83) and Richards (53) had bolstered the home side to a competitive 258/6, but disciplined bowling from Sneh Rana and Kranti Goud, who claimed two wickets each, ensured India were never out of the contest. In the end, India reached 262/6 in 48.2 overs, notching their highest successful chase in England, and recording the second-highest in their ODI history.
Also WATCH: Kranti Goud delivers peach of a ball to dismiss Amy Jones at Rose Bowl in the 1st ODI
