The Indian women's cricket team has taken the field against New Zealand in a crucial match of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup, where securing a victory is paramount for Team India. Batting first, the Indian team got off to a brilliant start with star openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal.
Sports News: In the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025, Indian star opener Smriti Mandhana has once again captivated the cricket world with her powerful performance. In the do-or-die encounter against New Zealand, Mandhana not only scored a magnificent century, putting India in a b position, but also claimed several historic records.
The Indian women's team made a b start batting first in this match, with Smriti Mandhana and young opener Pratika Rawal forging a solid partnership for the first wicket. Mandhana's aggressive and precise batting left the Kiwi bowlers with no answers.
Smriti Mandhana Plays a Blistering Innings of 109 Runs
Smriti Mandhana smashed 109 runs off just 95 balls in her innings, which included 10 fours and 4 sixes. This was a display of batting that left New Zealand's bowlers helpless. Mandhana demonstrated excellent timing along with consistent strike rotation, allowing the Indian team to maintain a run rate of close to 6 in the initial overs of the innings.
Her innings brought the match to a decisive turning point for India and reminded spectators of her famous century against England in the 2017 World Cup.
Becomes the Second Highest Century Scorer in Women's ODIs
Smriti Mandhana's innings was historic not just in terms of runs, but also in terms of records. With this century, she surpassed veteran New Zealand batter Suzie Bates to claim the record for the second-most centuries in women's ODI history. Mandhana now has 14 ODI centuries to her name. Only former Australian captain Meg Lanning is ahead of her with 15 centuries. Thus, Smriti has now become the highest century-scorer among active women cricketers.
- Meg Lanning – 15 centuries
- Smriti Mandhana – 14 centuries
- Suzie Bates – 13 centuries
- Tammy Beaumont – 12 centuries
- Nat Sciver-Brunt – 10 centuries
Third Century in ODI World Cup
This innings also holds a special place in the history of the Women's ODI World Cup. This is Mandhana's third World Cup century, with which she has equaled Harmanpreet Kaur. Both Indian players now have three centuries each in the World Cup. Mandhana will have a golden opportunity to surpass this record in the upcoming matches. Highest century scorers for India in the World Cup:
- Harmanpreet Kaur – 3 centuries
- Smriti Mandhana – 3 centuries
- Mithali Raj – 2 centuries
Mandhana is currently in the form of her life. She has also broken the record for hitting the most sixes by any female cricketer in 2025 so far. This year, she has hit 30 sixes, which is a testament to her aggressive and confident batting. Cricket analysts believe this number could further increase in the remaining matches of the tournament.
