In a display of sheer firepower, India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana etched her name in cricket folklore on September 20, 2025, by smashing a sensational 50-ball century against Australia in the third ODI at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. Chasing a daunting 413-run target, Mandhana’s explosive innings not only broke Virat Kohli’s long-standing record for the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian but also ignited hopes for India’s upcoming ODI World Cup campaign. This wasn’t just a ton—it was a statement of intent from the left-handed opener, blending elegance with aggression in a knock that featured 17 fours and five sixes.
Key Points:
- Match Context: Third ODI of the series; India chasing Australia’s mammoth 412/6
- Century Milestone: Reached three figures with a slog-swept six off Alana King in the 18th over
- Final Score: Mandhana dismissed for 125 off 69 balls, but India fell short at 367/9
- Series Outcome: Australia won the series 2-1, but Mandhana’s heroics stole the spotlight
Breaking Virat Kohli’s 12-Year Record: A Historic Eclipse
Mandhana’s blitzkrieg performance shattered Virat Kohli’s 52-ball century from the 2013 ODI against Australia in Jaipur, where he powered India to a thrilling chase of 360. Kohli’s knock, laced with eight fours and seven sixes, had stood as the benchmark for Indian batters for over a decade. Mandhana, batting at 95* off 47 balls, sealed her record with a towering six over midwicket, becoming the fastest Indian—across men’s and women’s cricket—to reach three figures in ODIs. This feat also bettered her own previous women’s record of 70 balls against Ireland earlier in 2025.
Key Records Broken:
- Fastest ODI Century by an Indian: 50 balls (surpassing Kohli’s 52)
- Fastest Fifty by an Indian Woman: 23 balls
- Second-Fastest Women’s ODI Ton: Behind Meg Lanning’s 45-ball effort (2012 vs New Zealand)
- Most ODI Centuries in 2025: Four, including back-to-back tons (a rare double for an Indian)
Mandhana’s Global Mark: Tying Legends and Chasing Greatness
Mandhana’s knock propelled her to 13 ODI centuries, tying New Zealand’s Suzie Bates for the second-most in women’s ODIs, just two behind Australia’s Meg Lanning (15). Against Australia specifically, she equaled England’s Tammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver-Brunt with four tons, showcasing her dominance over the world champions. In a match where Australia’s Beth Mooney had earlier smashed a 57-ball century (joint-second fastest in women’s ODIs), Mandhana’s response was poetic—eclipsing it by seven balls and turning the decider into her personal record-fest.
Key Stats from the Innings:
| Milestone | Balls Faced | Boundaries |
|---|---|---|
| Fifty | 23 | 10 fours, 2 sixes |
| Century | 50 | 17 fours, 5 sixes |
| Dismissal | 69 | Total: 125 runs |
A Boost for India’s ODI World Cup Dreams: Timing Couldn’t Be Better
With the ODI World Cup looming on the horizon, Mandhana’s fiery ton arrives as a massive morale booster for the Indian women’s team. Coming off a mixed series against Australia—where fielding lapses cost them dearly—this knock highlights India’s batting depth and Mandhana’s ability to anchor chases under pressure. Teammates like Harmanpreet Kaur (52 off 35) and Deepti Sharma (72) supported her, adding 121 runs for the third wicket, but a middle-order collapse prevented a historic win. Still, Mandhana’s form signals readiness: “This series helped us understand our strengths and weaknesses,” she reflected post-match, emphasizing sharper fielding ahead.
Key World Cup Context:
- Recent Form: Mandhana’s four tons in 2025 make her India’s top run-scorer this year
- Team Impact: Addresses concerns over top-order consistency post-Pratika Rawal’s early dismissal
- Opponent Edge: Her mastery against Australia (now four centuries) bodes well for potential World Cup clashes
- Next Steps: Focus on rectifying dropped catches (12 across the series) for tournament glory
Why This Knock Inspires: Mandhana’s Rise as a Modern Great
At 29, Smriti Mandhana isn’t just breaking records—she’s redefining women’s cricket in India. From her elegant covers to brutal slog-sweeps, her versatility echoes Kohli’s own aggressive evolution, making this record-swap a symbolic passing of the torch. As India gears up for the World Cup, Mandhana’s message is clear: Expect fireworks. Fans and experts alike are buzzing—could this be the spark that propels India to the title?
Key Inspirations:
- Versus Legends: Ties Bates, eyes Lanning; cements status as a chasing specialist
- Aggression Redefined: Proves women’s ODIs can match men’s in pace and power
- Legacy Building: Joins elite company, inspiring the next generation of Indian openers
