In a truly electrifying performance at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India’s vice-captain and star batter Smriti Mandhana delivered a sensational innings of 109 runs off just 95 balls against New Zealand. Her breathtaking knock, adorned with ten powerful fours and four magnificent sixes, was instrumental in propelling India past the 200-run milestone in this crucial, must-win encounter, ultimately sealing their well-deserved place in the semifinals.
This remarkable century marked a historic first for Team India in the tournament, a testament to Mandhana’s extraordinary skill and unyielding determination. Her masterful display came to an end when she was caught by substitute Hannah Rowe off the bowling of Suzie Bates.
Batting confidently alongside Pratika Rawal, who also achieved her maiden World Cup century in the same match, Mandhana skillfully anchored India’s innings. She didn’t just accumulate runs; she maintained an impressive, aggressive strike rate throughout, keeping the pressure firmly on the opposition.
Beyond securing a vital victory, Mandhana’s incredible performance saw her shatter and equal several international records. With a grand total of 17 international hundreds, she now stands proudly alongside Australia’s Meg Lanning, sharing the coveted record for the most centuries in women’s international cricket. In the ODI format alone, Mandhana’s 14 centuries place her just one shy of Lanning’s leading tally of 15.
Even after Mandhana’s dismissal, India still boasted a strong batting lineup with formidable players like Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh ready to contribute, ensuring a robust total.
New Zealand Women had chosen to bowl first, hoping to put India under early pressure in this high-stakes match where both teams were vying for the final semifinal berth. However, Mandhana’s exceptional batting not only laid a rock-solid foundation for India’s formidable score but also reaffirmed her undeniable status as one of the elite batters in women’s cricket today.