Indian opener Smriti Mandhana continued her incredible run of form in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, delivering a brilliant 109 off just 95 balls against New Zealand at the DY Patil Stadium. Her innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, featuring 10 boundaries and four towering sixes.
The highlight of her knock, however, came during a tense moment when she appeared to be out caught leg-before-wicket off Amelia Kerr’s bowling. Initially given out by the umpire, Mandhana immediately opted for a review, a decision that would prove pivotal.
Upon review, UltraEdge technology revealed a faint edge, indicating she had made contact with the ball before it hit her pads. This surprising turn of events left Mandhana herself visibly shocked, as she had already begun walking back to the pavilion. The New Zealand players, equally stunned by the ‘NOT OUT’ decision flashing on the big screen, reacted with disbelief. Undeterred, Mandhana returned to the crease, her determination only amplified.
The review for LBW and the subsequent decision from the umpire left players shocked (Screengrabs)
Smriti Mandhana started walking back after the umpire raised her finger, signaling OUT (Screengrab)
She swiftly reached her 14th career ODI century off just 88 balls, a milestone that significantly bolstered India’s chances of securing a semi-final spot. This century marked India’s first in the tournament and was part of an extraordinary 212-run opening partnership with Pratika Rawal – the highest ever for India in women’s One-Day Internationals.
Mandhana and Rawal have now forged four partnerships exceeding 150 runs in ODIs, matching the record held by legendary pairs like Belinda Clark-Lisa Keightley and Suzie Bates-Amy Satterthwaite. Their seventh century stand together also equals the most by any Indian opening pair, highlighting their exceptional synergy at the crease.
Throughout her innings, Mandhana relentlessly attacked the New Zealand bowlers. She struck two boundaries off Sophie Devine in a single over and consistently dominated Amelia Kerr, even hitting a four and a six off consecutive deliveries in the 29th over. Mandhana’s stellar performance reinforces her status as the leading run-scorer in 2025, having accumulated an impressive 1,259 runs in 20 innings this calendar year. She also tops the World Cup tally with 331 runs, including two half-centuries and her latest magnificent century, cementing her role as India’s premier batter.