Smriti Mandhana Hits Record 70-Ball ODI Century for India

Indian cricket superstar Smriti Mandhana has shown once more that she is one of the world’s finest batters. In the Niranjan Shah Stadium of Rajkot, Mandhana set the fastest ODI century by an Indian woman, which was a new record for her. Her fantastic 70-ball hundred did not only create a new record but also made her a true women cricket icon.

Smriti Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Knock

On a sunny day in Rajkot, Mandhana displayed her expertise in batting. She was up against Ireland’s bowling and she reached her century in just 70 balls, which surpassed the previous record of 87 balls, set by Harmanpreet Kaur against South Africa in 2024. Mandhana’s performance was like a dance where strength and grace met, with 12 hits to the border and 7 towering sixes.

The landmark came in the 24th over when Mandhana took a quick two off Arlene Kelly. The crowd was so loud, for she managed to raise her bat with a big smile, recognizing the applause for her outstanding work.

This time she went off to her 10th ODI century to be with the big names in the women’s cricket arena. Presently, she is tied with England’s Tammy Beaumont for the third position on the list with the most women’s hundreds in ODIs, with Australia’s Meg Lanning (15 centuries) and New Zealand’s Suzie Bates (13 centuries) being ahead.

A smashing start to 2025! 💯

ODI HUNDRED number 10 for Captain Smriti Mandhana 🫡

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/xOe6thhPiL#TeamIndia | #INDvIRE | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @mandhana_smriti pic.twitter.com/dVbHKz85px

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 15, 2025

Fastest ODI Centuries by Indian Women

Smriti Mandhana has set the new record for the fastest century by Indian women in ODIs with her record-breaking century. By the following are the best performances to compare:

• 70 balls – Smriti Mandhana vs Ireland, Rajkot, 2025
• 87 balls – Harmanpreet Kaur vs South Africa, Bengaluru, 2024
• 90 balls – Harmanpreet Kaur vs Australia, Derby, 2017
• 90 balls – Jemimah Rodrigues vs Ireland, Rajkot, 2025
• 98 balls – Harleen Deol vs West Indies, Vadodara, 2024

The way Mandhana has to dominate bowlers with her aggressive but well-organized approach has terrified the other teams.

A Partnership to Remember

Her outstanding was complemented by Pratika Rawal, her opening partner. Together, the duo made a massive 233-run partnership, Ireland’s bowlers could not stop them. In ODIs these partnership now rank as one of the highly preferred for India Women:

• 320 runs – Punam Raut & Deepti Sharma vs Ireland, Potchefstroom, 2017
• 258 runs* – Mithali Raj & Reshma Gandhi vs Ireland, Milton Keynes, 1999
• 233 runs – Smriti Mandhana & Pratika Rawal vs Ireland, Rajkot, 2025

She was eventually caught by Ava Canning off Orla Prendergast in the 27th over 135 off 80 and by then, Mandhana’s one-man show was already taking India to the lead in the game with India being in a commanding position.

India’s Dominance in the Series

Though India had already taken a lead of 2-0, the hosts were still able to dominate in the third match. Mandhana’s decision to bat first turned out to be the right one as the Indian batters used the favorable conditions to the maximum. The hosting squad decided to make two changes to their lineup, namely introducing Tanuja Kanwar and Minnu Mani, whereas Ireland had an unchanged XI.

Ireland’s bowlers found it hard to counter the relentless Indian attack. Mandhana proved once again that she is one of the finest batters in the women’s league.

Smriti Mandhana: A Real Icon of Women’s Cricket

Mandhana’s record-breaking century is not only a personal feat but also a great milestone for Indian women’s cricket. Her consistent performances on a global level inspired many a young girl to take up the sport. Through her aesthetics and calmness, she also grew into a model for other aspirant players because of her reliable play and performance under pressure.

She is yet another brave leader in the Indian women’s cricket team. As the team keeps breaking records and taking on new challenges, Smriti Mandhana is at the forefront of progress.

What to Expect from Smriti Mandhana in Future?

India has secured a clean sweep in the Ireland series after this win. Smriti Mandhana will hopefully continue to be in top form as she looks forward to new challenges thus making her illustrious career even more remarkable. We are all excited to see what she will accomplish late

Significance of Smriti Mandhana’s Century

Mandhana’s record-breaking century is not just a number. It’s an outcome of her endless toil, dedication, and love of the game. In addition, this is a proof of the future of women’s cricket and its potential to develop. While Mandhana’s stellar performances will keep bringing in the new fans, she will not only win matches but will also win hearts.

Conclusion

Smriti Mandhana’s historic innings against Ireland, is indeed a moment that Indian cricket fans should relish in. Through her broken records, and the people she has inspired, she is regarded as a cricket legend for these traits.

Read more: Kolkata Becomes India’s Most Traffic Congested City in 2024: What Went Wrong?

FAQ