Harmanpreet's maiden ODI century in vain as India eves lose to England by 32 runs

Harmanpreet Kaur (FILE PHOTO)

Harmanpreet Kaur slammed her maiden One Day International hundred but her doughty effort went in vain as India eves lost to defending champions England by 32 runs in their second ICC Women’s World Cup match at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

The 23-year-old Punjab girl achieved her career-best effort, scoring an unbeaten 107 as India, chasing 273 for victory, were restricted to 240 for 9 off their stipulated 50 overs.

Harmanpreet walked out in with India eves stuttering at 29 for 3 in the eight over and took the responsibility of redeeming the Indian innings.

She found an able ally in Karuna Jain as the pair raised a much-needed century (106-run) partnership for the fourth wicket to keep the hosts in the contest.

But once Karuna perished to Aaron Brindle for 56, Harmanpreet had much to do as runs dried up from the other end.

To her credit, Harmanpreet clobbered two sizzling sixes at the death to ensure India kept pace with the asking rate but it gradually became a mountain to climb as a flurry of wickets tumbled around her.

Earlier, England rode on a superb century by Charlotte Edwards (109) to post 272 for 8 off their allotted 50 overs. Aaron Brindle struck an unbeaten 37 to provide firepower at the death overs.

With this win, England revived their fortunes after losing their opening tie to Sri Lanka.

India women had beaten West Indies in their opening match.