Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana lit up the Women’s World Cup 2025 with a commanding 88-ball hundred against New Zealand at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. This powerful innings took her past Suzie Bates, placing her at No. 2 for most ODI centuries in women’s cricket. Mandhana now owns 14 ODI centuries, trailing only Meg Lanning’s 15.
Her ton marked the fifth century of her calendar year, equalling South Africa’s Tazmin Brits’ record for the most hundreds in a single year. Interestingly, Brits also achieved the same number of centuries in 2025. This knock was also Mandhana’s third World Cup hundred, the joint-most by any Indian batter alongside Harmanpreet Kaur.
Earlier this year, Mandhana shattered a 28-year-old record set by Belinda Clark by amassing the most runs in a single year. She eventually departed for 109 off 95 deliveries, striking 10 fours and four sixes. Suzie Bates ended her stay at the crease, but the damage was already done.
Comeback After a Slow Start
The 29-year-old struggled at the beginning of the tournament with modest scores against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and South Africa. Her fortunes turned with back-to-back impactful knocks of 80 and 88 against Australia and England, even though those efforts didn’t secure victories for India. This match against New Zealand became a must-win to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
Australia, England, and South Africa have already booked their places in the knockout stage, leaving India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka in contention for the last spot.
Dominant Stand With Pratika Rawal
Opting to bat first, India relied on Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, who patiently handled the early challenge before taking control. Their partnership crossed the 200-run mark, marking their fourth stand of 150-plus and the second time they’ve added over 200 together.
With this feat, they became just the fourth pair in women’s ODIs to notch up two partnerships of 200 or more. For this encounter, India made a single change to their lineup, bringing Jemimah Rodrigues in place of Amanjot Kaur.
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