Harleen Deol is no stranger to going viral in England – her catch on the boundary rope in July 2021 went to the corners of the internet that cricket, especially the women’s game, had gone before. On Wednesday night, she found herself at the center of a moment that could potentially travel far on the interweb, but as a blooper.
Harleen, during the run-chase of the first ODI between England and India, tapped the ball to mid on and took off for a quick single in the 22nd over. It seemed like a risky single at the start, but if anything, Harmanpreet Kaur at the non-striker’s end appeared to be in danger while running towards the striker’s crease. Harleen had a head start and should have comfortably completed the run. But a direct hit caught the India No 3 short in an embarrassing dismissal at The Rose Bowl. As the replays showed, she was lethargic in grounding her bat the non-striker’s end, and didn’t manage to get her feet over the crease as well.
Alice Davidson-Richards’ throw gave England a breakthrough out of nowhere as India lost quick wickets in the run-chase. Shortly after her dismissal, Harmanpreet fell too and former India men’s head coach Ravi Shastri on commentary pointed out how an elementary error can change the course of the match.
Former India captain Anjum Chopra posted on X: “Unbelievable! No way! Is it that difficult to be comfortable and safe ? Losing an opportunity to score runs in international cricket and win a match … Easily Missed!”
Direct hit. GONE.
ADR, quick hands 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hYCaSlcbCv
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 16, 2025
For what it is worth, here’s the catch of Harleen from the T20I in Northampton that dismissed Amy Jones.
A fantastic piece of fielding 👏
We finish our innings on 177/7
Scorecard & Videos: https://t.co/oG3JwmemFp#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/62hFjTsULJ
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 9, 2021
In the series opener on Wednesday, England posted 258 for six against India after opting to bat first. Sophia Dunkley amassed 83 in 92 balls to emerge as the top-scorer for England, while Alice Davidson-Richards (53), skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (41) and Emma Lamb (39) also chipped in with useful contributions. Kranti Goud (2/55) and Sneh Rana (2/31) picked up two wickets apiece, while Shree Charani (1/46) and Amanjot Kaur (1/58) took one each. Davidson-Richards contributed 53 in 73 balls during a 106-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Dunkley, which formed the nucleus of the England innings after they lost four wickets for 97 runs.
Dunkley struck nine fours during her stay in the middle.
