 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Smriti Mandhana smashes fastest ODI hundred by an Indian woman cricketer
Indian women's cricket team skipper Smriti Mandhana created history on Wednesday by smashing the fastest century in One-Day Internationals by an Indian woman cricketer.
Mandhana reached the milestone in just 70 balls during the third ODI against Ireland, leading her side to a record-breaking 304-run victory and completing a 3-0 series sweep.
Mandhana's scintillating knock of 135 runs, laced with 12 boundaries and seven sixes, lit up the innings at lightning speed. The dynamic opener broke the previous record held by Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored a century in 87 balls against South Africa last year.
The explosive innings also propelled India to their highest-ever ODI total of 435 runs, marking the first time the team breached the 400-run barrier in women's ODIs. This historic feat places India in an elite club alongside Australia and New Zealand.
Mandhana's century is now tied as the seventh-fastest in women's ODI history, equaling former England great Charlotte Edwards' effort in 2012. With her 10th ODI hundred, Mandhana has climbed to joint-third on the all-time list for most centuries in women's ODIs, sharing the spot with England's Tammy Beaumont.
The record list is topped by Australia's Meg Lanning (15 centuries) and New Zealand's Suzie Bates (13 centuries), with Mandhana edging closer to the legends with every passing game.
Leading the team in the absence of regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana’s spectacular performance not only shattered records but also reinforced her position as one of the finest players in women's cricket today.