In New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, the crowd buzzed with excitement as evening approached during Saturday’s women’s ODI clash between India and Australia. Australia had powered to a massive 412 runs, leaving everyone wondering if India could mount a serious challenge against such a towering total.
India’s batters, dressed in pink jerseys, showed real grit right from the start. Opener Smriti Mandhana, in top form, took charge and smashed boundaries with flair. Her aggressive strokeplay lit up the flat pitch at Kotla, proving why she’s a force in women’s cricket. She tore into Australia’s bowlers, including her rival off-spinner Ashleigh Gardner, hammering 45 runs off just 16 balls.
With the World Cup just days away, Mandhana’s knock stood out. She blasted 125 runs off 63 balls, hitting her century in a record-breaking 50 deliveries—the fastest ever by an Indian woman in ODIs. It highlighted her “zen mode,” that calm focus where she stays locked in, making it tough for opponents to break through.
After the match, Mandhana shared her thoughts on that mindset. “I think I was in zen mode as a kid always. Even back then, scoring or not, I backed myself with calmness. But off the field, my routines and work ethic have leveled up a lot in the last year. I’m still learning, but if you nail that, you’re always in the zone.”
She called the innings stunning but bittersweet. “Chasing 413, you go all out—no holding back, especially on the sixes in one-day cricket. But I wouldn’t rate it my best yet because we didn’t win. A century in a victory feels way more special. Still, I loved being out there batting.”
Australia’s 412 marked just the seventh time a team crossed 400 in women’s ODIs. India fought back hard, reaching 369—the highest successful chase ever attempted in the format—falling short by 43 runs. That fighting spirit gives them a boost heading into the World Cup.
Mandhana praised her team’s belief during the game. “At the drinks break, we told each other the pitch is flat and the outfield quick— we’ve got bats too, so let’s chase this down. We wanted those 413 runs to show our character. A few setbacks, like my full-toss dismissal or Richa’s run-out, hurt us. But cricket’s full of ups and downs. I’m so proud of how everyone batted and the character we showed all series.”
Some wonder if Mandhana feels extra pressure as the top-order aggressor, especially with teammates like Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol struggling for quick starts after their fifties in the opener. She brushed that off firmly. “Everyone’s a match-winner—not just the 11 on the field, but all 15 in the squad. Representing India is our duty, no pressure there. I trust the whole team; we can win from anywhere. In the last year, we’ve hit 300-plus even without my runs. Pratika, Harleen, Jemimah, Harman—they’ve all scored hundreds lately. It’s not about relying on one person.”
As the sun dipped, fans cheered wildly each time Mandhana cleared the ropes. When she fell, the stadium went quiet, then erupted in applause—many stood to honor her bold, pressure-defying display.
This match showed India’s potential. Even against steep odds, Mandhana’s fireworks and the team’s bold chase build confidence. They have the firepower to shake up any rival at the upcoming World Cup in women’s cricket.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
