Harleen Deol’s brainless act labelled 'amateurish' as bizarre run-out sparks outrage - Watch

The Indian women's cricket team defeated England by four wickets and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after overcoming a middle-order hiccup, which was accentuated by Harleen Deol's run-out at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. Sneh Rana's all-around skill and Deepti Sharma's cool 62* were crucial in India's chase of 259, but Deol's slip-up was the catalyst for a social media frenzy.

After making headlines in England in 2021 for her incredible boundary catch, Harleen Deol was once again in the spotlight, but for all the wrong reasons. Deol tried to sneak a quick single off Charlie Dean's bowling in the 22nd over of India's chase. Replays showed that even though she made it home, a lapse of concentration led to her wicket. Both her bat and feet were airborne as Alice Davidson-Richards struck the stumps with direct a hit.

The brainless act provoked fury, with supporters calling it "inexcusable" on social media.

On a dry Southampton surface, England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt chose to bat first. Pacer Kranti Goud shook the hosts early, dismissing Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont in the first five overs, reducing England to 20/2. A steady 71-run partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt (41) and Emma Lamb (39) helped England recover from early setbacks before Sneh Rana dismissed both with her crafty spin.

At 97/4, Sophia Dunkley and Alice Davidson-Richards took charge, stitching together another crucial 105-run stand that set up a strong finish. Birthday girl Dunkley led the charge with a fluent 83 off 92, while Richards chipped in with 53. A brisk unbeaten 23 off 15 balls from Sophie Ecclestone in the final overs lifted England to a competitive 258/6 in their 50 overs.