Smriti Mandhana Makes History with 12th ODI Century Against Australia
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has etched her name in the annals of women’s cricket history. During the second One Day International (ODI) of a three-match series against Australia at the Mullanpur Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, Mandhana scored her 12th ODI century, equaling the world record for the most centuries by a female opener in ODIs. This achievement comes at a crucial time as the Women’s World Cup approaches, further solidifying her status as one of the sport’s elite players.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Mandhana’s century came off just 77 balls, marking the second-fastest ODI century by an Indian woman. The record for the fastest century in women’s ODIs is held by Mandhana herself, who previously scored a 70-ball century against Ireland in Rajkot. This latest achievement not only highlights her explosive batting style but also her ability to perform under pressure.
With this century, Mandhana joins the ranks of New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and England’s Tammy Beaumont, who also have 12 centuries as openers in women’s ODIs. However, Mandhana’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as she reached this milestone in just 106 innings, compared to Bates’ 130 and Beaumont’s 113. This statistic underscores her efficiency and prowess as a top-order batter.
Historical Context
Mandhana’s performance is not just a personal triumph; it also reflects the evolution of women’s cricket over the years. The sport has gained significant traction, with increasing visibility and support. The Women’s World Cup, which has been held since 1973, has seen a gradual rise in competitiveness and skill level. Players like Mandhana are at the forefront of this transformation, inspiring a new generation of female cricketers.
In addition to her record-tying century, Mandhana has made history by becoming the first player in women’s ODI history to score three or more centuries in two different calendar years. Earlier this year, she set an all-time record by scoring four centuries, further establishing her as a formidable force in the game.
Key Contributions in the Match
In the match against Australia, Mandhana’s innings of 117 runs off 91 balls included 14 fours and four sixes. Her aggressive batting not only set the tone for the Indian innings but also provided a solid foundation for her team. She formed a crucial partnership of 70 runs for the opening wicket with Pratika Rawal and later contributed to a 49-run stand with Harleen Deol.
Despite her stellar performance, India faced challenges in the match. Mandhana was eventually dismissed by Tahlia McGrath, but her contributions were significant in keeping India competitive. Earlier in the series, Mandhana had scored 58 runs in the first ODI, although that effort was overshadowed by Australia’s victory, which gave them a 1-0 lead in the series.
Current Standing and Future Prospects
With her latest century, Mandhana now ranks third on the all-time list for most centuries by a batter in women’s ODIs, trailing only Australia’s Meg Lanning, who has 15, and Bates, who has 13. Recently, Mandhana reclaimed the top position in the ODI rankings, a testament to her consistent performance and impact on the game.
Earlier this year, she also made headlines by scoring her maiden T20I century, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve centuries in all three formats of the game. This versatility not only showcases her talent but also her adaptability, a crucial trait for any modern cricketer.
Conclusion
Smriti Mandhana’s record-equalling century against Australia is a significant milestone in her career and a testament to her skill and dedication. As the Women’s World Cup approaches, her form will be critical for India’s chances in the tournament. With her ability to perform under pressure and her record-breaking achievements, Mandhana is not just a player to watch; she is a beacon of hope for the future of women’s cricket. As the sport continues to grow, players like Mandhana will undoubtedly inspire countless young athletes to pursue their dreams on the cricket field.
