In a truly historic encounter at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, an electrifying century from Smriti Mandhana propelled India to a commanding 102-run victory over Australia in the second Women’s One Day International. This monumental win not only broke India’s eight-match losing streak against the formidable seven-time world champions but also inflicted Australia’s heaviest defeat ever in a Women’s ODI, ending their impressive 13-match winning run in the format.
This triumph marked India’s first WODI victory against Australia on home soil in eighteen years, a significant milestone that has galvanized the team. The series is now thrillingly poised at 1-1, leading to a highly anticipated decider in Delhi. Coming on the heels of a successful tour of England, this resounding performance also provides a considerable boost to India’s confidence as they look ahead to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.
Mandhana was in sublime form, crafting a glorious 117 runs off just 91 balls, an innings adorned with 14 perfectly timed fours and four massive sixes that captivated the stadium. Her brilliant effort helped India set a formidable total of 292 runs in 49.5 overs. In response, a vastly improved fielding display from India, despite a few dropped catches, coupled with incisive bowling, saw Australia dismissed for a mere 190 runs in just 40.4 overs.
The bowling attack was spearheaded by the impressive young seamer Kranti Goud, who claimed three wickets for 29 runs, including the crucial final scalp. Off-spinner Deepti Sharma, who had earlier contributed a vital 40 runs, also chipped in with two wickets for 24 runs. The team’s commitment in the field was exemplary, highlighted by pacer Arundhati Reddy’s three superb catches in the deep, a sharp catch by captain Harmanpreet Kaur at extra cover to dismiss Annabel Sutherland, and Radha Yadav’s brilliant caught and bowled effort to remove Alysse Perry.
India’s tactical shift to a three-seamer attack, opting for an extra fast bowler over a left-arm spinner, proved effective. Australia’s decision to rest their explosive opener Phoebe Litchfield, who had scored 88 runs in the previous WODI, also played a part as they introduced Georgia Voll into the lineup.
While Mandhana’s exceptional form undoubtedly positions her as a pivotal player for India in the upcoming 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, the team faces a few concerns. Jemimah Rodrigues, a key middle-order batter, was ruled out of the remaining matches due to viral fever, though Mandhana’s heroics helped cover this absence. Veteran pacer Renuka Singh Thakur, returning after a nine-month injury lay-off, was unfortunately hampered by cramps/hamstring issues, limiting her bowling contribution. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s form is another area of slight concern, having managed only 28 runs in the two matches of the series.
Mandhana’s dominant batting performance saw her shatter several records. She reached her 12th WODI century – the fastest ever against Australia in Women’s ODIs – with a magnificent lofted six. This century was also the second-fastest by an Indian woman in ODIs, surpassed only by her own 70-ball hundred earlier this year. It marks her third WODI century this year alone.
Her stellar run also saw her reclaim the No. 1 ranking in Women’s ODIs. With her 12th century in 106 innings as an opener, Mandhana now shares the record for most WODI centuries by an opener with New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and England’s Tammy Beaumont. Globally, she ranks joint-third on the all-time WODI century-makers list, behind only Meg Lanning and Bates. Furthermore, this was her third WODI century against Australia, making her the Asian batter with the most centuries against them. She has now amassed an impressive 15 international hundreds, solidifying her place as the Asian batter with the most international centuries in women’s cricket.
