Yes! Smriti Mandhana finally fires herself back to form. After a mediocre Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, the modern-day great hammered a stupendous century in a must-win clash. Heading into the third W-ODI against New Zealand, the series stood at 1-1. However, Mandhana’s superb ton in Ahmedabad won the the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side the 3-match rubber in an dominating fashion at the end.
Smriti Mandhana enters into record books
Chasing 233 in order to clinch the series, Mandhana took on the responsibility to guide the hosts home. Scoring 100 off 122 balls against New Zealand, Mandhana showcased remarkable poise and skill on a pitch that offered its challenges. She began her innings with caution, deliberately leaving deliveries outside off stump, allowing the game to unfold without rushing her strokes.
As the innings progressed, her partnership with Yastika Bhatia proved crucial. While Yastika played with flair, taking calculated risks, Mandhana remained steadfast, guiding the chase with precision. Their synergy not only stabilized the innings but also set a solid foundation, allowing them to accumulate runs steadily. Once Harmanpreet Kaur joined her, the tempo shifted; they expertly rotated the strike, punishing any wayward deliveries and keeping the pressure on the White Ferns.
Take a bow, Mandhana
With her match-winning 100, Mandhana has become the Indian with the most hundreds in Women’s ODIs. She has surpassed former Indian captain Mithali Raj, who notched up 7 tons across 211 innings. Incredibly, Mandhana has taken just 88 innings to hammer eight centuries. At this rate, she could become the women with the most hundreds ever in ODIs (currently held by Lanning with 15).
Mandhana also continues her breathtaking form in the format this year. With this, she has accumulated 477 runs at an incredible average of 68.14 and at a SR of 97.34.
Most centuries for India in Women’s ODIs
| Player | Span | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | 100 | 50 |
| Smriti Mandhana | 2013-2024 | 88 | 3690 | 136 | 45 | 8 | 27 |
| Mithali Raj | 1999-2022 | 211 | 7805 | 125* | 50.68 | 7 | 64 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 2009-2024 | 116 | 3659 | 171* | 38.11 | 6 | 19 |
| Poonam Raut | 2009-2021 | 73 | 2299 | 109* | 34.83 | 3 | 15 |
| MDT Kamini | 2006-2017 | 37 | 825 | 113* | 25.78 | 2 | 3 |
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