On a momentous Wednesday, Smriti Mandhana etched her name in cricketing history as the first Indian woman cricketer to achieve back-to-back centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Her remarkable feat not only showcased her batting prowess but also equaled the record held by former India captain Mithali Raj for the most centuries in the 50-over format.
In the second ODI of the South Africa Women’s Tour of India in 2024, Mandhana played a scintillating innings, scoring 136 runs off just 120 deliveries. Her aggressive stroke play and impeccable timing left the opposing bowlers in awe. But this wasn’t her first century in the series. In the previous ODI, she had already set the stage by scoring 117 runs against the Proteas, making her the first Indian woman to achieve this remarkable feat.
The Bengaluru match witnessed a dominant performance by the Women in Blue. Despite a slow start, Mandhana’s brilliance, combined with Harmanpreet Kaur’s explosive century (103* off 88 balls), propelled India to a formidable total of 325/3 in their allotted 50 overs. The duo’s partnership of 171 runs was a testament to their synergy and determination on the field.
Let’s delve into the records broken by Smriti Mandhana during this historic innings:
First Indian Woman with Back-to-Back ODI Centuries: Mandhana’s consecutive centuries against South Africa solidified her place in cricketing history. Her innings of 117 (127) in the first ODI and 136 (120) in the second ODI showcased her consistency and hunger for runs.
Equalling Mithali Raj’s Record: With these two centuries, Mandhana joined Mithali Raj at the top of the list for the most centuries by an Indian woman in ODIs. Both players now have seven centuries to their names, a remarkable achievement in itself.
Highest Partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur: Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur have been a formidable pair in ODIs. Their partnership of 171 runs against South Africa in this match was their highest in the format, emphasizing their ability to build crucial stands for the team.
Third-Highest ODI Score for India Women: India’s total of 325/3 ranks as the third-highest team score in ODIs for the Indian women’s team. It reflects the team’s collective effort and Mandhana’s pivotal role in achieving this milestone.
Smriti Mandhana’s back-to-back centuries are a testament to her skill, determination, and contribution to Indian cricket. As she continues to break barriers, fans eagerly await her next innings, hoping for more records to tumble and milestones to be achieved
