India Women vs Ireland Women, 3rd ODI : In a breathtaking display of power and precision, Indian women’s cricket team captain Smriti Mandhana created history by smashing the fastest century by an Indian in Women’s One Day Internationals (ODIs). Her record-breaking knock came during the third ODI against Ireland at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, where she led from the front to secure a dominating victory for India.
Mandhana’s century, her 10th in ODI cricket, makes her the first Indian woman to achieve this remarkable feat. She reached the milestone in just 70 balls, surpassing the previous record held by Harmanpreet Kaur, who took 87 balls. Smriti Mandhana’s aggressive innings of 135 runs off 80 deliveries featured an impressive 7 towering sixes and 12 boundaries.
The record-breaking innings began with a scintillating partnership between Mandhana and her opening partner Pratika Rawal. The duo attacked the Irish bowlers from the start, setting up a massive opening stand of 233 runs, the highest for India’s first wicket in Women’s ODIs. Rawal provided solid support, ensuring the pressure remained relentless on the opposition.
Mandhana’s brilliance on the field draws a parallel with Indian men’s cricket icon Virat Kohli, who holds the record for the fastest century in men’s ODIs, achieved in 52 balls. Interestingly, both Kohli and Mandhana don jersey number 18, adding a touch of coincidence to their stellar careers.
With her 10th century, Mandhana overtakes Mithali Raj, India’s former captain, who scored seven ODI centuries in her illustrious career. This achievement places Mandhana among the elite cricketers of the world. Globally, Australia’s Meg Lanning leads the charts with 15 ODI centuries, followed by Suzy Bates (13) of New Zealand, while England’s Tammy Beaumont and Mandhana herself now share 10 ODI centuries each.
Smriti Mandhana’s monumental innings has reignited conversations about the growing dominance of Indian women’s cricket on the international stage. She continues to be an inspiration, proving that Indian women cricketers are matching and surpassing records at an exhilarating pace.
Fastest Century for India in Women’s ODIs:
- Smriti Mandhana in 70 Balls
- Harmanpreet Kaur in 87 Balls
- Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur in 90 Balls
Mandhana’s record-breaking performance is a significant milestone in her career and for Indian cricket, highlighting her formidable talent and consistency.
