After an ODI series win against England, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur feels that the triumph is more than just a morale boost for the side, as it sets a benchmark ahead of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.

Kaur made an impressive century during India’s 13-run victory over England in the third Women’s ODI to clinch the series 2-1. She reflected on her 84-ball 102 runs, showcasing composure and exceeding global standards ahead of the marquee event.

“In all the matches I wanted to give my best in batting but today’s game was very important to us,” Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation. “The plan was to spend some time on the wicket and then see how things go. That really worked for me.”

Having endured a slow start-she was scoreless for hers first ten deliveries-Harmanpreet held her nerve with some quiet self-assurance.

“I was just talking to myself: ‘I’m not going to lose myself, just be there, be there for the team.’”

She reached her hundred in 82 balls, making its second fastest ODI century by an Indian woman after Smriti Mandhana’s 70-ball hundred earlier this year.

After this knock, she become only the third Indian women to surpass 4,000 ODI runs in ODIs.

“Today was a totally different situation, a different pitch, a different atmosphere,” she said. “In home conditions it will be different. But whenever you win, that always gives you a positive mindset and keeps you in a good place.

“This series will definitely give us a lot of confidence but, again, when we go back, we have to start again from ball one.”

Harmanpreet Kaur believes that current squad has the depth and fitness to compete with the best, provided they continue to refine their poccesses and push beyond limit.

“Our team has been working really hard for so many years and this is the time where we are getting that reward,” she said. “We only talk about playing good cricket and we know the kind of talent we have. It’s about using the right talent at the right time and getting the best out of them.”

Harmanpreet Kaur credited the squad’s fitness improvement as key factors in latest success.

“I’m really happy. All the girls are coming up with a positive mindset and working really hard on their fitness. We’ve understood a lot in the past few years and right now we’re just trying to pass that benchmark and put ourselves in a position where people talk seriously about women’s cricket.”

The final point is central to Harmanpreet’s long term vision, not just winning matches, but earning the respect and recognition the team deserves in a country where cricket holds a central place in the national imagination.

“People back home love cricket. They want us to do well, and we also want to give them something to be proud of,” concluded Harmanpreet Kaur.

India Women’s next assignment will be against Australia in ODI format to be played on September 14 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.