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Sports News: India opener Smriti Mandhana produced a breathtaking innings in the Women’s ODI World Cup against New Zealand, bringing up her 14th century in the format. Playing at Navi Mumbai, she initially played with patience before accelerating in trademark style, striking boundaries and sixes to reach the three-figure mark. Her innings carried a blend of calmness and aggression, featuring ten fours and three sixes. This effort became vital for India as the team was under pressure after three successive defeats. Mandhana’s composure ensured India finally looked like a team ready to fight back in the tournament.
With this hundred, Smriti moved past New Zealand’s Suzie Bates in the list of most centuries in women’s ODI history. She now stands at 14 tons, only behind Australia’s Meg Lanning who has 15. Among current players, Mandhana is the top century-maker, giving India a powerful voice in world cricket. This achievement places her in the elite club of players who have consistently delivered at the biggest stage. It also shows how Mandhana has become India’s most reliable match-winner in crunch situations, a reputation she continues to strengthen.
This innings was not just another hundred—it was her third century in the Women’s World Cup. With that, she equaled captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s tally for the most World Cup centuries by an Indian player. Only Mithali Raj, with two centuries, follows them. The achievement underscores Mandhana’s ability to rise in high-pressure tournaments. Every time she comes out to bat in a global event, there is a sense of confidence that India’s innings will be anchored. Her World Cup record now puts her shoulder to shoulder with India’s finest.
The global table of ODI centuries now has Smriti Mandhana second only to Meg Lanning. Lanning leads with 15, Mandhana follows at 14, Bates has 13, Tammy Beaumont sits at 12, and Nat Sciver-Brunt holds 10. This puts Mandhana in the conversation not only among Indian greats but among world icons. For a player still active and in red-hot form, the chance to claim the all-time record in coming matches feels more like a certainty than a question. It is an extraordinary rise for someone still just 29.
Beyond centuries, Mandhana’s dominance with the bat in 2025 has also been about her six-hitting ability. She currently leads the tally for most sixes in women’s cricket this year, with 29 maximums already. That number is expected to climb higher with India still having games to play in this World Cup. Her ability to clear boundaries consistently makes her a dangerous player who can change matches in a few overs. This skill set adds a modern edge to her otherwise classical batting style, making her one of the most complete batters today.
While Mandhana shone brightly, questions remain over others in India’s batting lineup. Pratika Rawal managed to hold her end but once again struggled with her strike rate. Though she continues to score runs steadily, her slow pace is a concern in high-pressure games. The management will want her to convert consistency into impactful acceleration. As India looks to turn around their campaign, the balance between stability and aggression in the middle order remains a challenge, even as Mandhana continues to take center stage.
Mandhana’s innings did more than add records to her name—it brought life back into India’s World Cup campaign. After three losses, the team desperately needed a spark, and their opener delivered it with flair. Her century not only kept India in contention but also lifted the dressing room’s morale. With momentum shifting, India can look forward with renewed belief. For Mandhana, the century was another chapter in her growing legacy, and for India, it was a sign that their journey in the World Cup is far from over.
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