Smriti Mandhana has made her entry into the elite club of most centuries in women’s cricket with her 12th century against Australia in the 2nd ODI. Smriti reached this milestone while batting first in the innings. Mandhana scored 117 runs from 91 deliveries, with 14 boundaries and four maximums. Her strike rate during the innings was 128.57.
Smriti Mandhana’s century was the second-fastest hundred (by balls) by an Indian in WODIs. She finished her hundred in 77 balls, while the record for the fastest hundred (by balls) by an Indian in WODIs is also held by Smriti, in 70 balls versus Ireland earlier this year. The left-handed opener crafted her innings with elegant drives, powerful smashes, timing, and patience.
Smriti Mandhana’s 12th century comes at a crucial stage before the World Cup. Her innings reflect her role as the backbone of the Indian batting line-up. Her performances over the years have transformed her into not just a reliable opener for India but also an all-time great in international cricket. Smriti continues to rewrite record books as she has equalled the record of England opener Tammy Beaumont for scoring the most hundreds in WODIs.
Mandhana now has 12 centuries in 107 innings. Meg Lanning still holds the record for most centuries in WODIs, with 15 centuries in 102 innings, and Suzie Bates holds the second position with 13 centuries in 164 innings. Smriti now stands close to these greats and hopes to surpass them in the coming years. Mandhana’s performances show that she holds a pivotal place in world cricket. Smriti was also named the No.1 batter in WODIs.
This is also her fourth century in the year across all formats. She previously scored two centuries in WODIs and her first century in WT20Is. Smriti Mandhana had smashed the previous two centuries against Ireland and Sri Lanka. Mandhana’s consistency at the top of the order will prove significant for Team India in their road to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Smriti’s 12th WODI century was also the third against Australia.
Mandhana’s brilliant record against Australia highlights her passion to perform against the best teams in the world. Smriti has batted in 18 innings against Australia and smashed 791 runs with an average of 43.94 and a strike rate of 99.74. She has even scored five half-centuries against Australia. What truly sets her apart is her ability to perform in different conditions by adapting to situations. Her ability to score runs in difficult situations, whether facing heavy pace attacks or tricky spin bowlers, is commendable. Her shot selection and stable temperament are reflected in every performance of hers.
With her 12th century, Smriti has now scored 803 runs from 13 innings in the year with an average of 61.77, also scoring three half-centuries. Her ability to deliver match-winning performances will be crucial in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at home. The Indian fans will also be expecting Smriti Mandhana to shine along with other Indian players in the World Cup.
Vice-Captain Smriti Mandhana’s 12th WODI century is not just a personal milestone but a defining moment for the Indian women’s cricket team. Smriti’s consistency, elegance, class, and endless passion for scoring big runs make her one of the brightest stars in international cricket today. She continues to get close to legends like Meg Lanning and Suzie Bates and is showing her form for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
She is an inspiration for all the young girls who want to pick up a bat or a ball and represent their nation at the highest level. Smriti represents not only a match-winner but also an icon who embodies determination, skill, and the aspirations of the future of Indian women’s cricket.
