Smriti Mandhana rewrites HISTORY against AUS, becomes 1st female batter to achieve THIS feat in 51 years

New Delhi: On Wednesday, Smriti Mandhana stole the spotlight in Perth by scoring an incredible century in the third match of the ODI series against Australia. This not only marks her fourth ODI century of 2024 but also makes her the first woman ever to achieve this milestone in ODIs. Her record-setting performance firmly establishes her as a top player in women’s cricket.

Prior to Mandhana’s achievement, the record for the most centuries in a year for women’s ODIs was set at three, a feat shared by several remarkable players including South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt. Other well-known cricketers like Meg Lanning and Nat Sciver-Brunt have also reached three centuries in a calendar year. Mandhana’s latest milestone not only showcases her exceptional talent but also sets a new standard for future generations of players.

So far in the 2024 ODI season, Mandhana has played ten matches, racking up 599 runs with an impressive average of 59.90 and a strike rate of 97.08. Her highest score this year has been a stunning 136 runs. Earlier in the season, she had a brilliant outing in the home series against South Africa, where she achieved two centuries alongside a near-century performance.

Despite her extraordinary innings, Mandhana was eventually dismissed shortly after reaching her century, scoring 105 runs off 109 balls. Australian all-rounder Ash Gardner has proven to be a tough opponent, having dismissed Mandhana several times across different formats.

In the same game, Australia managed to set a competitive target, posting 298 runs for six wickets, largely driven by an impressive 110 runs from Annabel Sutherland. On the Indian side, Arundhati Reddy stood out with four wickets, achieving her career-best figures in limited-overs cricket. This match highlighted not just individual talent but also the fierce competitive spirit present in women’s cricket.