Smriti Mandhana Creates History with Fastest Century in Women’s ODIs

NEW DELHI: Indian cricket captain Smriti Mandhana delivered an electrifying performance in the third Women’s ODI against Ireland at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday. Mandhana’s century off just 70 balls set a new benchmark as the fastest century by an Indian woman in ODIs, breaking Harmanpreet Kaur‘s previous record of 87 balls against South Africa.

This remarkable knock was Mandhana’s 10th ODI century, placing her alongside England’s Tammy Beaumont in third place for most centuries in women’s ODIs. The record list is topped by Australia’s Meg Lanning with 15 centuries, followed by New Zealand’s Suzie Bates with 13.

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Smriti Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Century

Mandhana’s 70-ball hundred was a masterclass in aggressive batting, showcasing her ability to dominate bowlers. The record-breaking moment came in the 24th over when she took a quick two off Arlene Kelly, igniting a thunderous applause from the crowd. This century not only highlighted her skill but also reaffirmed her position as one of the finest batters in women’s cricket.

Fastest centuries by Indian women in ODIs (balls taken):

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

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A Historic Partnership and Stellar Performance

Mandhana and her opening partner, Pratika Rawal, forged a formidable 233-run opening partnership, overwhelming Ireland’s bowling attack. Mandhana’s innings of 135 runs off 80 balls included seven towering sixes and 12 fours. She was eventually dismissed in the 27th over, caught by Ava Canning off Orla Prendergast’s delivery.

India’s dominance was evident as they comfortably led the series 2-0. Batting first proved a wise decision for Mandhana, as the Indian batters capitalized on favorable conditions. India made two changes to their lineup for the game, bringing in Tanuja Kanwar and Minnu Mani, while Ireland fielded an unchanged XI that struggled to contain the hosts’ relentless assault.

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Records Galore for India Women in ODIs

Mandhana’s extraordinary feat added to her growing list of achievements and further solidified her place among the all-time greats.

Most centuries in women’s ODIs:

• 15 – Meg Lanning
• 13 – Suzie Bates
• 10 – Tammy Beaumont
• 10 – Smriti Mandhana
• 9 – Chamari Athapaththu
• 9 – Charlotte Edwards
• 9 – Nat Sciver-Brunt

India also registered one of their highest partnerships in Women’s ODIs:

• 320 – Punam Raut & Deepti Sharma vs Ireland, Potchefstroom, 2017
• 258* – Mithali Raj & Reshma Gandhi vs Ireland, Milton Keynes, 1999
• 233 – Smriti Mandhana & Pratika Rawal vs Ireland, Rajkot, 2025
• 223* – Anjum Chopra & Jaya Sharma vs Pakistan, Karachi, 2005
• 190 – Smriti Mandhana & Jemimah Rodrigues vs New Zealand, Napier, 2019

Smriti Mandhana’s outstanding performance continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers and solidifies her legacy in women’s cricket.