Harmanpreet Kaur put her illness behind her to score a commanding century against Zimbabwe, helping India seal the three-match ODI series with a comprehensive 121-run victory in the second match in Vadodara on Sunday. The former India captain revealed that she had battled a mild fever and relied on painkillers before going on to score a magnificent 126 off 121 balls, anchoring India's innings after an early collapse.

India were rocked inside the first three overs after losing Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma cheaply. Harmanpreet joined Pratika Rawal to steady the innings, stitching together a crucial 124-run partnership for the third wicket. After Rawal departed for 61, Harmanpreet continued to take responsibility, combining fluent strokeplay with composure to register her eighth ODI century.

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“I had a mild fever last night, and that is why I was struggling when we came back to the field. Wanted to take some rest, and the painkillers are helping me,” Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The former India captain's innings featured 15 boundaries, with her back-foot shots, cuts and cover drives keeping the Zimbabwe bowlers under pressure. She also benefited from three dropped catches, making the most of her reprieves to build a match-defining knock. Harmanpreet then shared a 153-run partnership with Deepti Sharma, who remained unbeaten on 106 off 86 balls, as India posted 328 for six.

HARMANPREET NOT MISSING CAPTAINCY

Harmanpreet, who recently stepped down as India's captain, has been enjoying her batting without the additional responsibility of leading the side. Her performance against Zimbabwe underlined her ability to dictate the course of an innings while adapting to the demands of the situation.

Asked about batting without the burden of captaincy, she stressed that her focus remained on contributing as a batter and enjoying her time at the crease.

“When you are batting, you don't think about these things. You are batting as a batter and you want to take responsibility, and bat according to the situation. No matter the situation, I want to enjoy my batting,” Harmanpreet said.

Deepti's century and a four-wicket haul from Vaishnavi Sharma helped India bowl Zimbabwe out for 207 in 48.5 overs, sealing the series with a match to spare.

The third and final ODI between India and Zimbabwe will be played in Vadodara on Tuesday, October 27.

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