Smriti Mandhana, the undisputed queen of Indian cricket, etched her name in history yet again with a record-breaking performance in the 3rd ODI against Australia in 2025.
Reaching her century in just 50 balls, Mandhana set the benchmark for the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian batter, surpassing even Virat Kohli’s 52-ball ton against the same opponents in 2013. The innings was a masterclass in timing, power, and composure, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe of her extraordinary talent.
Fastest Hundred by Any Indian
With this innings, Mandhana achieved a feat no other Indian batter male or female had accomplished. The 50-ball century was not just about speed; it was a showcase of her aggressive yet calculated batting style. This century overtook Kohli’s record, a benchmark that had stood for 12 years, proving that the modern Indian cricket landscape is witnessing a new era led by exceptional talent in women’s cricket.
Mandhana’s 50-ball ton also ranks as the second fastest century in Women’s ODIs of all time, highlighting her as one of the most prolific and explosive batters in the world today.
Her innings featured a seamless blend of clean hitting, smart running between the wickets, and fearless strokeplay against a quality Australian attack, making it one of the most memorable centuries in recent cricket history.
Since 2024, Mandhana has been in phenomenal form in ODIs. She has amassed 1,675 runs at an average of 62.03, striking at an impressive 105.6 SR, a period during which she has scored 8 of her 13 ODI hundreds and converted 8 of 14 fifty-plus scores into tons. Nearly half of her career sixes in ODIs were hit during this span, emphasising her ability to dominate bowlers and change the course of a match single-handedly.
In 2025 alone, Mandhana has already scored 4 centuries, matching her tally from 2024. This makes her the first player to smash 300+ runs in a three-match series twice in Women’s ODIs 343 runs against South Africa in 2024 and 300 runs against Australia in 2025. Such consistent dominance underscores her status as one of the greatest openers in the game today.
Mandhana’s 50-ball century brought a slew of records and milestones:
- Fastest ODI century by an Indian batter (surpassing Virat Kohli’s 52-ball ton, 2013).
- Second fastest Women’s ODI century of all time.
- First and only Indian to score back-to-back centuries twice in WODIs.
- Joint-second in all-time number of WODI centuries with 13 tons, most among all openers in Women’s ODIs. Only Meg Lanning leads with 15 centuries.
These records reflect not just speed and skill but also remarkable consistency, mental toughness, and the ability to perform under pressure against top-quality opposition. Mandhana’s dominance also highlights the evolution and increasing competitiveness of Indian women’s cricket, with players now matching and surpassing feats that were previously the domain of men.
The Smriti Mandhana Era
Smriti Mandhana has become synonymous with attacking flair and resilience. Her recent performances underline why she is regarded as one of the world’s premier openers. Every innings from her bat carries intent, precision, and flair qualities that have made her a feared opponent across formats.
In addition to her record-breaking century, Mandhana now holds the most hundreds among all openers in Women’s ODIs, reinforcing her position at the pinnacle of the game. She continues to chase bigger milestones, including breaking the calendar-year runs record, and her consistent brilliance ensures she remains central to India’s ambitions on the international stage.
It is remarkable that Mandhana achieved this feat against the same opponents as Virat Kohli did in 2013, highlighting a symbolic passing of the torch. Cricket fans across India witnessed a historic moment where a female batter not only equaled the intensity and skill of the men but set a new benchmark entirely.
Her performance is a shining example of the progress of women’s cricket in India. Mandhana has inspired a generation of young cricketers, showing that dedication, skill, and fearlessness can rewrite records and achieve feats that were once thought impossible.
The innings itself was a display of brilliance: crisp drives, powerful lofted shots, and impeccable running between the wickets. Mandhana’s ability to find gaps, manipulate the field, and accelerate the scoring rate at crucial junctures exemplifies the complete modern batter.
Fans and teammates alike celebrated the moment, with social media buzzing as Mandhana’s record-breaking feat made headlines globally. The century was more than a personal milestone; it was a testament to the growing strength, skill, and impact of Indian women’s cricket on the world stage.
With 13 ODI centuries, multiple records, and a formidable presence at the top of the order, Smriti Mandhana’s career trajectory continues to ascend. She remains a key figure in India’s plans for major tournaments, including the Women’s Cricket World Cup and bilateral series against top-ranked teams.
As the first Indian to achieve back-to-back centuries twice in WODIs and the fastest Indian batter ever to reach a hundred, Mandhana’s legacy is firmly cemented. Her performances not only boost India’s competitive edge but also inspire countless aspiring cricketers, particularly young girls who see in her a role model of excellence and ambition.
Smriti Mandhana’s 50-ball century against Australia in 2025 is more than just a record it is a symbol of skill, determination, and the rise of Indian women’s cricket. Surpassing Virat Kohli’s 12-year-old record, achieving back-to-back centuries, and dominating the ODI format, Mandhana continues to redefine what is possible for Indian cricketers.
From her fearless strokeplay to her relentless consistency, Mandhana embodies the spirit of modern cricket. As she continues to break records and inspire a generation, one thing is clear: there is only one Smriti Mandhana, and the cricketing world is watching in awe.
The Smriti Show is here to stay! 🇮🇳💙
