Smriti Mandhana Fastest ODI Ton Sparks Record Day
Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the record books with a blazing performance that marked the fastest century by an Indian batter in women’s ODIs. Her explosive innings, which came off just 70 balls, played a pivotal role in India’s historic victory against Ireland in Rajkot. The match was a testament to the team’s prowess, as India breached the 400-run mark for the first time in ODI history, scoring a monumental 435 for 5.
Record-Breaking Partnership Sets the Tone
Sent into bat, Mandhana and Pratika Rawal put up a devastating show, adding 233 runs for the opening stand. This stand was the third-highest aggregate for India in women’s ODIs, surpassed only by the 320-run partnership between Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut in 2017 and Reshma Gandhi and Mithali Raj, in 1999, the pair put together an unbeaten 258. The two shared a magnificent partnership that put India to its highest-ever score in ODIs; the two scored at a rate of 8.73 every over against the Irish bowlers.

Smriti Mandhana’s Explosive Century
Opener Smriti Mandhana’s 135 was one of the best aggressive knocks witnessed in this World Cup. She produced seven sixes in her innings which was as many as Harmanpreet Kaur’s record for the most sixes by an Indian batter in any woman’s ODI match. Mandhana smashes ODI hundred off 70 balls surpassing the previous record by an Indian woman cricketer held by Harmanpreet Kaur who scored hundred in style against South Africa in 87 balls.
Indian openers to score a hundred in women’s ODIs since 2018:
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana
Pratika Rawal pic.twitter.com/LmJ5QJZp5w— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 15, 2025
Rawal’s Stellar Performance
Pratika Rawal’s contribution was equally remarkable. Scoring 154 runs, she joined an elite group of Indian batters with 150-plus scores in women’s ODIs. This knock added to her tally of 444 runs in just six innings, making her the highest scorer in the first six ODI innings in women’s cricket history. Rawal surpassed legends like Charlotte Edwards and set a benchmark only Janneman Malan has exceeded across men’s and women’s ODIs.
India Breaches the 400-Run Barrier.
India’s total of 435 for 5 was not just their highest but also the fourth-highest total in women’s ODIs. Only New Zealand has achieved higher scores, with three totals above 435. This milestone places India in an elite group, alongside Australia, as the only teams to have breached the 400-run mark in women’s ODIs.
Boundary Blitz
The Indian batters were relentless, smashing 57 boundaries, including 48 fours and nine sixes. This tally is the third-highest number of boundaries hit by a team in women’s ODIs, trailing only New Zealand’s 71 and 59 boundaries in two matches against Ireland in 2018. Mandhana’s seven sixes and Rawal’s power-packed innings ensured that India’s innings was one for the ages.
Consistency in High Scores
This victory also marked India as only the third team to score 350-plus totals in consecutive women’s ODIs. The consistency mirrored performances by New Zealand against Ireland in 2018 and England against Pakistan in 2016. India’s aggressive approach reflects a new era of dominance in women’s cricket.
Ireland’s Struggles Against India
Ireland’s bowling attack found no answers to India’s aggressive batting. Notably, six of the thirteen instances where both openers have scored centuries in women’s ODIs have come against Ireland. This match added another chapter to India’s dominance, as Mandhana and Rawal’s twin centuries became the latest in this series of remarkable performances.

Smriti Mandhana’s Impact on Indian Cricket
Smriti Mandhana’s explosive innings not only broke records but also reinforced her reputation as a cornerstone of Indian women’s cricket. Known for her aggressive stroke play and consistency, Mandhana’s ability to deliver under pressure has made her a vital asset to the team. Her fastest century in ODIs symbolizes her growing stature and ability to inspire the next generation of cricketers.
Looking Ahead
India’s defeat to Ireland has sent a serious message to the cricketing world. Having young and talented players such as Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal in the team, they should rise to other higher ranks of the world. These types of performances portray that the Indian women’s cricket team has a bright future as they make records and get higher scores every time.
While Mandhana sets a new record for reaching the fastest ODI hundred and India is gracing the record books for the record number of deliveries faced in a day, it can be seen that this day in the cricketing arena will not be soon forgotten. What Smriti Mandhana has done and what the team has achieved has set the standard for Indian cricket that will last for years.