“Smriti Mandhana creates history as the first women’s cricketer to score 4 ODI centuries in a year. A record-breaking feat at WACA inspires Indian cricket.”
Indian women’s cricket team star Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the history books while playing for India against Australia at the WACA Stadium in Perth on 11 December in the third ODI of the series. Although the match was lost, for Mandhana, the ton was a historic landmark that marked her as the first women’s cricketer ever to score four ODI tons in a calendar year.
A Stellar Performance Amidst Adversity
India’s challenge was quite tough to overcome, as they were chasing 299 for in the third ODI. The Women in Blue had restricted their hosts to 78-4, with Arundhati Reddy putting on a remarkable show. Annabel Sutherland anchored her side to a battle-fought hundred while Ashleigh Gardner and Tahila McGrath got half-centuries in leading Australia to a commanding 298 total.
In the target, lone warrior Smriti Mandhana played a perfect knock off 109 balls with 12 boundaries in scoring 105. With her help and an excellent partnership of 118 runs, Smriti along with Harleen Deol laid an excellent platform for India after the loss of the second wicket. Post that India’s batting collapsed. It was just one-way traffic at the Wankhede Stadium for the Women in Blue as they lost to England.
Breaking Records: Smriti Mandhana’s Feat
Even though India lost, Mandhana’s achievement stands tall. Scoring her fourth ODI century in 2024 helped her break the record for most centuries in a year from three, which was shared by several players including Nat Sciver-Brunt of England, Sophie Devine of New Zealand, and Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa.
Mandhana’s ninth ODI century for her career puts her in the ranks of all-time greats in women’s cricket. Only Meg Lanning has 15, Suzie Bates 13, and Tammy Beaumont 10 ODI tons.
Consistency and Excellence
Mandhana had earlier this year broken the seven ODI centuries record set by Mithali Raj to go down in history as one of India’s finest women cricketers. The stage was already set by two centuries against South Africa in June and another against New Zealand in October.
The Future for Indian Women’s Cricket
Smriti Mandhana’s heroics only illustrate the rising stature of Indian women’s cricket at international competition. Though India lost the series to Australia in a whitewash, individual performances like this one give so much hope and promise for the future. India’s prospects at the upcoming tournaments are sure to be eyed for more success from Mandhana under pressure.
The year has been a record for Smriti Mandhana with skill, determination, and consistency. She is the first player in women’s cricket to have four ODI centuries in a year. Her success sets a new benchmark for excellence, raising her status but also inspiring a generation of young cricketers to dream big and aim high. Indian women’s cricket will look to achieve even greater heights with stars like Mandhana at the helm.
