Did Smriti Mandhana Just Score the Fastest Century by an Indian Woman in ODIs?
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Synopsis
In an electrifying display at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Smriti Mandhana achieved a historic milestone by scoring the fastest century by an Indian woman in ODIs. Her remarkable performance has set the stage for an intense series decider against Australia, where every run counts.
Key Takeaways
- Smriti Mandhana scored the fastest century by an Indian woman in ODIs.
- Her knock was achieved in just 50 balls.
- This performance is vital for India’s record chase of 413 runs.
- She now has 13 ODI centuries, tying for second-most all-time.
- Mandhana’s achievement highlights the growth of women’s cricket in India.
New Delhi, Sep 20 (NationPress) Smriti Mandhana electrified the Arun Jaitley Stadium by achieving the fastest century by an Indian batter in women’s ODIs, reaching an astonishing hundred off just 50 balls during the decisive match against Australia.
Her phenomenal innings has already eclipsed Australia’s Beth Mooney who scored 138, keeping India in contention for a record chase of 413 runs to secure the ODI series.
Smriti's century in merely 50 balls is the second fastest in women’s ODIs, trailing only behind Meg Lanning's 45-ball century against New Zealand at the North Sydney Oval in 2012.
The vice-captain of India celebrated her remarkable achievement by hitting a six over deep midwicket off leg-spinner Alana King, inciting a massive cheer from the enthusiastic crowd in Delhi. Smriti proudly raised her bat and helmet in triumph, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur applauded behind her, marking her fourth ODI century against Australia.
With this achievement, Smriti now stands equal with New Zealand’s Suzie Bates for the second-most ODI centuries (13), just behind Meg Lanning's 15. Remarkably, this is Smriti’s second instance of scoring centuries in consecutive ODI innings, previously achieving this feat in June 2024. She joins England’s Tammy Beaumont as the only players to score consecutive hundreds in women’s ODIs on two occasions.
Smriti has already recorded four ODI centuries in 2025, matching South African Tazmin Brits’ tally for this year. As India strives for a historic series win and a record total, Smriti’s outstanding innings will be crucial. Earlier in the day, she had also notched the fastest fifty by an Indian batter in women’s ODIs.
Point of View
We celebrate Smriti Mandhana's extraordinary achievement, which not only showcases her talent but also highlights the growing prominence of women’s cricket in India. Her performance is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers and a testament to the dedication and skill present in the sport today.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Smriti Mandhana break?
Smriti Mandhana broke the record for the fastest century by an Indian woman in ODIs, scoring a hundred off just 50 balls.
How does her century rank in women's ODIs?
Her century is the second fastest overall in women's ODIs, following Meg Lanning's 45-ball century.
What significance does this performance have for India?
This performance keeps India in the hunt for a record chase of 413 runs against Australia, crucial for winning the ODI series.
How many ODI centuries does Smriti Mandhana have now?
Smriti Mandhana now has 13 ODI centuries, tying her with Suzie Bates for the second-most centuries by a woman.
What other milestones did she achieve in this match?
In addition to the century, she also scored the fastest fifty by an Indian batter in women's ODIs earlier in the day.
