Indian women’s cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana etched her name into the record books on Wednesday with a sensational century against Ireland in the third ODI in Rajkot. Mandhana reached the milestone in just 70 balls, making it the fastest One-Day International hundred by an Indian woman, surpassing the previous record held by Harmanpreet Kaur (87 balls against South Africa in 2023).
Mandhana’s Remarkable Innings
- Score: 135 runs off 83 balls
- Highlights:
- Struck 12 boundaries and 7 sixes, showcasing her signature aggressive batting style.
- Captained the team in Harmanpreet Kaur’s absence, leading from the front.
- Dismissal: Caught by Orla Prendergast at short fine leg after a scintillating knock.
Breaking Records
Fastest Indian Women’s ODI Century
- New Record: 70 balls
- Previous Record: 87 balls (Harmanpreet Kaur vs. South Africa, 2023)
All-Time List of ODI Centuries
With her 10th ODI hundred, Mandhana is now tied at third place on the list of most centuries in women’s ODIs alongside England’s Tammy Beaumont.
- Top Leaders:
- Meg Lanning (Australia): 15 centuries
- Suzie Bates (New Zealand): 13 centuries
Fastest Centuries in Women’s ODIs
Mandhana’s knock ranks as the joint-seventh fastest in women’s ODI history, equaling England’s Charlotte Edwards (2012).
Mandhana’s Contribution to Indian Cricket
Smriti Mandhana continues to be a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, balancing aggressive batting with her role as a leader. Her innings not only secured a strong platform for the Indian team but also reaffirmed her position among the best batters in the world.
Looking Ahead
Mandhana’s record-breaking performance is a testament to her consistency and ability to rise to the occasion. With India gearing up for several high-profile tournaments in the coming year, Mandhana’s form will be critical to the team’s success.
Fast Fact:
Mandhana is widely regarded as a global ambassador for women’s cricket, often hailed for her technique, power-hitting, and composure under pressure.
This historic knock adds yet another feather to her illustrious cap, inspiring future generations of cricketers.
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