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Smriti Mandhana continues to set the cricketing world ablaze with her scintillating form. The stylish opener delivered a breathtaking performance in the ongoing ODI series against Ireland, smashing her 10th ODI century in sensational fashion. This milestone not only reaffirmed her dominance but also etched her name in the record books with the fastest-ever ODI century by an India Women’s player, achieved in just 70 balls.
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A Historic Feat for Smriti Mandhana
With her latest century, Mandhana became the first Indian woman to hit double-digit ODI hundreds, surpassing legends like Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj. The achievement also catapults her closer to the record for the most ODI centuries in women’s cricket, held by Australian great Meg Lanning, who has 15 tons to her name. Mandhana now trails by just six centuries, keeping her firmly in the hunt for the top spot.
Adding to her accolades, she overtook England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, who also has nine ODI centuries, to move higher in the all-time rankings.
Also Check: Smriti Mandhana becomes fastest India batter to reach 4000 ODI runs
Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Innings Against Ireland
On a flat track at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium, Mandhana was unstoppable. She launched an all-out assault on the Irish bowlers from the very first delivery, dismantling the opposition with her commanding stroke play.
After reaching her 50 at a brisk pace, Mandhana switched gears to dominate even further, raining boundaries and sixes. She raced to her 100 in just 70 balls, breaking Harmanpreet Kaur’s record of an 87-ball ton against South Africa.
Fastest ODI Hundreds by India Women’s Players:
| Player Name | Opposition | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | Ireland | 70 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | South Africa | 87 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | Australia | 90 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | Ireland | 90 |
| Harleen Deol | West Indies | 98 |
A Series to Remember
This latest century capped off a stellar series for Mandhana. After scoring 41 runs in the first ODI and 73 runs in the second to seal the series for India, she went above and beyond to underline her brilliance.
A Step Closer to the Top
Smriti Mandhana’s consistent performances and her hunger for excellence have solidified her place as one of the greatest batters in women’s cricket history. With only six centuries standing between her and Meg Lanning’s all-time record, Mandhana looks poised to continue her ascent and make history yet again.
India will now look to capitalize on Mandhana’s incredible form as they gear up for more high-stakes matches, with their star batter leading the charge.
