Indian women’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana etched her name in history by becoming the fastest Indian batter to reach 4000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Mandhana achieved this milestone during the first ODI against Ireland in Rajkot, scoring a swift 41 runs off 29 deliveries.
Breaking Records
- Mandhana reached the 4000-run mark in just 95 innings, surpassing the previous record held by Mithali Raj.
- She became the first Indian woman to achieve the feat in under 100 innings.
- Globally, Mandhana ranks as the third-fastest woman to achieve this milestone, following Australian greats Belinda Clark (86 innings) and Meg Lanning (89 innings).
India’s Dominant Performance
In the match, Ireland posted a challenging total of 238 runs in their innings. However, India showcased a clinical performance, chasing down the target with a six-wicket victory.
Key contributors included:
- Pratika Rawal: Scored a commanding 89 runs.
- Tejal Hasabnis: Remained unbeaten at 53 runs*.
Mandhana Praises Bowlers’ Efforts
Post-match, Mandhana lauded the bowlers for their execution on a tough pitch.
“To bowl on these sorts of wickets, which have nothing in them, the bowlers did a really good job. Fielding is something we can improve on. We’ve had good conversations over the past few days, and the execution of slower balls and bouncers was impressive. Going forward, every game will require strong execution and discipline,” Mandhana shared.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining routines and preparation for the next few months as India eyes greater success on the international stage.
Mandhana’s achievement underscores her pivotal role in the team and marks a significant milestone in Indian women’s cricket history.