The third ODI between India Women and Australia Women at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, will go down as one of the most spectacular matches in women’s cricket history.
Beyond the thrilling contest, the game was a record-breaking extravaganza, with multiple milestones achieved, personal feats set, and historical firsts for Indian cricket. While Australia won the match by 43 runs, the statistical fireworks make this encounter unforgettable.
The headline moment of the match came from Smriti Mandhana, India’s star opener, who slammed a century in just 50 balls the fastest ODI century ever by an Indian batter, male or female, breaking Virat Kohli’s 12-year-old record of 52 balls against Australia in 2013.
This century was her fourth in 2025, and it reinforced her status as one of the world’s most dominant batters.
Mandhana’s 50-ball ton was also the second-fastest century in Women’s ODI history, showcasing her exceptional power-hitting, timing, and ability to perform under pressure. Her innings was crucial in India’s chase of 412, pushing the team to 369, their highest-ever ODI total against Australia.
Highest Match Aggregate in Women’s List A Cricket
The match set a new record for the highest aggregate in a women’s List A game with 781 runs scored in just 94.5 overs. Australia’s 412/5 combined with India’s 369/8 created a run-fest never seen before in women’s cricket, surpassing the previous record of 779 runs set in 2024 when Bengal scored 390/5 against Haryana (389/5).
This monumental scoring showcased the evolution of women’s cricket and its increasing competitiveness, proving that high-scoring thrillers are no longer limited to men’s cricket.
India’s Highest ODI Total Against Australia
India’s innings of 369/8 in 47 overs marked the first time India Women crossed 300 against Australia in an ODI. This record is significant because it demonstrated India’s batting depth and resilience, especially chasing what was the highest-ever ODI total scored against them. Deepti Sharma’s 72 off 58 balls complemented Mandhana’s explosive ton, making it a historic partnership in a challenging run chase.
Previously, the highest target India had faced against Australia was far below 400, emphasizing how extraordinary this innings was despite the loss.
Australia, batting first, posted 412/5 in 47.5 overs, equalling their highest-ever ODI total, first achieved against Denmark in 1997, and simultaneously marking the highest total ever made against India Women. Beth Mooney’s 138 off 75 balls one of the fastest centuries in women’s ODI history led the Australian charge, with Kim Garth and Grace Harris providing crucial support.
Australia’s total highlighted their relentless batting prowess and the growing competitiveness of the women’s game, setting a challenging target that India nearly matched.
Smriti Mandhana’s Milestones
Mandhana’s innings was remarkable not just for its speed but also for the context:
- First Indian to hit a 50-ball ODI century
- Fastest-ever ODI century by an Indian batter (men or women)
- Second-fastest century in Women’s ODI history
- Fourth ODI century in 2025
- First player to score 300+ runs in a three-match series twice in WODIs (343 vs South Africa in 2024 and 300 vs Australia in 2025)
Her performance solidified her place as India’s premier batter and one of the world’s most consistent performers.
Highest Run Chase Attempt by India Against Australia
Although India fell short, their innings of 369 represents their highest ODI chase against Australia. Previously, the best total India had achieved in a chase against Australia was under 300, making this a significant milestone in India Women’s cricket history.
The innings demonstrated the team’s evolving approach, balancing aggression with calculated risk-taking hallmarks of a side ready to challenge for world titles.
The match also saw Beth Mooney’s 138-run innings off 75 balls, making it one of the fastest centuries in WODI history. Both sides delivering centuries in such rapid time created a spectacle rarely witnessed in cricket at any level. The combination of these performances elevated the game into a historic contest, showcasing the growing talent and competitiveness in women’s cricket.
While Australia ultimately clinched the series 2-1, the records set in this third ODI are a testament to the evolution of women’s cricket in India and globally:
- Smriti Mandhana broke Virat Kohli’s 12-year record, showing women’s cricket is producing achievements equal to the men’s game.
- India scored their highest-ever ODI total against Australia, demonstrating their batting strength.
- The match featured the highest aggregate in women’s List A cricket history, a new benchmark for future contests.
This game will be studied, celebrated, and remembered as a turning point, showing that women’s cricket can deliver drama, skill, and records that rival any men’s ODI.
Looking Ahead
As the Women’s World Cup 2025 approaches, the performances in this match will give India a strong platform. Smriti Mandhana’s form, along with the team’s ability to chase mammoth totals, signals that India can compete against the best globally. While the series ended in a loss, the records set and milestones achieved are a source of immense pride and motivation for the team.
In a single day, the match witnessed records tumble, individual brilliance shine, and history being written not just for India, but for women’s cricket as a whole.
Key Records from the Match:
- Fastest-ever ODI century by an Indian: Smriti Mandhana, 50 balls
- Second-fastest century in WODI history: Smriti Mandhana, 50 balls
- India’s highest-ever ODI total against Australia: 369/8
- Australia’s highest-ever ODI total against India: 412/5
- Highest aggregate in women’s List A cricket history: 781 runs
- First Indian batter to score 300+ runs in a three-match series twice in WODIs
