In a thrilling display at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Punjab, Smriti Mandhana smashed her way to history during India’s second ODI against Australia on Wednesday. Fresh off claiming the top spot as the world’s number one Women’s ODI batter just a day earlier, the stylish opener lit up the field with a blistering performance.
Mandhana, batting first after Australia won the toss, delivered a swashbuckling knock that saw her reach her 12th ODI century. This feat tied her with England’s Tammy Beaumont for the most tons in Women’s ODIs. What makes it even more special? Mandhana hit this milestone in just 106 innings, while Beaumont took 130. Talk about efficiency!
The highlight came on the first ball of the 29th over when Mandhana thrashed a four to bring up her hundred in a mere 77 balls. This not only became the fastest ODI century for an Indian woman but also the second-quickest against Australia in the format. It trails only her own record—a lightning 70-ball ton against Ireland in Rajkot earlier this year. In Women’s ODI history, she’s the first batter to score three or more centuries in two different calendar years, including four already in 2024.
The 29-year-old left-hander’s joy was short-lived, though. In the 33rd over, she tried to clear the ropes off Tahlia McGrath but holed out to Ashleigh Gardner in the deep, ending her fiery innings at 117 runs off 91 balls. Still, what a show!
Mandhana’s form has been unstoppable. Ahead of this match, she climbed back to the summit of the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings—her fourth time at number one, first achieved in January 2019. In the opening ODI of the series, she fired 58 off 63 balls with six fours and two sixes, overtaking New Zealand’s Amy Satterthwaite to become the seventh-highest run-scorer in Women’s ODIs.
After Mandhana’s dismissal, India didn’t falter. Deepti Sharma steadied the ship with 40 off 53 balls, while Richa Ghosh (29 off 33) and Sneh Rana (24 off 18) added crucial runs in quick cameos. Their efforts helped India post a strong total of 292.
Mandhana’s explosive batting and record-breaking knock have fans buzzing about India’s chances in this series against Australia. With stars like her leading the charge, women’s cricket in India is reaching new heights!
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