Did Smriti Mandhana Just Score Her 14th ODI Century Against New Zealand?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at the Women's ODI World Cup, Smriti Mandhana's explosive century against New Zealand has set the stage for India's semifinal aspirations. With her stellar performance, she continues to break records and showcase her talent on the global stage, making her a player to watch in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Smriti Mandhana scored her 14th ODI century against New Zealand.
- She has become the first woman to score over 1000 runs in a single calendar year.
- Mandhana and Pratika Rawal set a record-breaking opening partnership of 212 runs.
- This match is crucial for India's qualification to the semifinals.
- Mandhana leads the tournament in runs scored.
Navi Mumbai, Oct 23 (NationPress) Indian opener Smriti Mandhana has continued her remarkable scoring streak in 2025, registering a rapid century against New Zealand during Match 24 of the Women's ODI World Cup held at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
Mandhana achieved her 14th career century off just 88 balls, smashing 10 fours and 3 sixes, delivering yet another batting exhibition in a match crucial for India's semifinal qualification.
She has now accumulated five centuries and an equal number of half-centuries this season, becoming the first player in Women's ODIs to surpass 1000 runs in a single calendar year.
On Thursday, after a cautious start, she unleashed a flurry of impressive shots, effortlessly dominating the New Zealand bowlers.
Mandhana also forged a staggering 212-run partnership for the first wicket with Pratika Rawal, marking the highest opening partnership in India's women's ODI history.
This was their fourth partnership of over 150 runs, tying them with the likes of Belinda Clark-Lisa Keightley and Suzie Bates-Amy Satterthwaite for most such partnerships by any pair. It also marked their seventh century stand for the opening wicket, the most for any Indian duo.
Mandhana showcased a dazzling array of strokes, effortlessly cutting, driving, and pulling the ball. She particularly targeted New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, hitting her for two boundaries in one over, and was ruthless against Amelia Kerr, striking a four and a six in consecutive balls during the 29th over. Out of her four sixes, two were off Kerr, while the other two came from Jess Kerr and Eden Carson.
Eventually, she was dismissed for 109 runs off 95 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes), miscuing a slog-sweep to substitute fielder Hannah Rowe at midwicket off Suzie Bates, a fatigued shot that was caught on the second attempt.
During her impressive innings, Mandhana faced a moment of uncertainty when she was given lbw off Amelia Kerr in the 27th over while in the 70s, but the DRS intervened, revealing that she had edged the ball onto her pads.
As of now, Mandhana is the top run-scorer of the year, amassing 1259 runs in 20 innings across 20 matches in 2025. She also leads the tournament with 331 runs, including two half-centuries and a century.
Point of View
Smriti Mandhana's remarkable achievement not only underscores her individual brilliance but also elevates the profile of women's cricket in India. Her performance is a beacon of hope for the team as they strive for victory in this crucial World Cup campaign. The narrative around women's sports is changing, and Mandhana is at the forefront of this transformation.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What records did Smriti Mandhana break in her recent innings?
Mandhana became the first batter in Women's ODIs to score over 1000 runs in a calendar year and achieved her 14th career century.
What was the significance of the partnership between Mandhana and Rawal?
Their 212-run partnership is the highest opening stand for India in women's ODIs, showcasing their exceptional synergy and skill.
How has Mandhana performed in the 2025 ODI World Cup?
She is currently the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 331 runs, including two half-centuries and one century.
