If you are following cricket, you must know that Smriti Mandhana once again made India proud by making a mark in cricket history with an exceptional century against Australia in just 77 balls. Furthermore, this impressive performance led India to an unforgettable victory in the second ODI and secured the top spot in Women’s ODI batting rankings for our beloved Mandhana.
As India’s promising vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana’s leadership and consistency on the cricket field have become a vital key to the team’s victories. Just like a proud India, she anchors the innings while motivating the spirit of the team and the scoring rate. As a captain of the India Women’s Cricket team, it makes a reliable player who performs best in high-pressure situations, particularly against a strong team like Australia. Her recent remarkable performance sets a benchmark for Indian women’s cricket on the international scene.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Born in Sangli, Maharashtra, Smriti Mandhana grew up in a family that loved cricket. Inspired by her older brother, she began attending practice sessions at a young age and quickly developed her left-handed batting, despite being naturally right-handed. At just nine years old, she signed up for cricket trials for fun, but her talent was evident. By age 11, she joined Maharashtra’s Under-19 team, and four years later, she made her debut for the senior side with an impressive 155-run innings against Saurashtra.
Mandhana’s big break came in domestic one-day cricket when she scored a double century, which established her as one of India’s top prospects. Her rise continued as she became the second Indian woman to play in a foreign T20 league, showcasing her skills internationally.
She made her Test debut in 2014, scoring a vital half-century in India’s historic win against England. Although her early performances in the World T20 and WBBL were modest, she made a comeback in the 2017 World Cup with two impressive innings, despite recovering from an ACL injury that had kept her off the field for over five months.
By the age of 20, Mandhana had already scored centuries in Australia and at the World Cup, proving her abilities against elite competition. Her early career laid the groundwork for a record-breaking journey that would transform the role of women in Indian cricket.
Career Highlights and Records
Smriti Mandhana has an impressive international career across all formats. In Tests, she has scored 629 runs in 7 matches at an average of 57.18. This includes two centuries, with her highest score being 149 against South Africa. In ODIs, she has accumulated 4,763 runs in 107 games at an average of 47.15. She has 12 centuries and 32 fifties to her name. Her recent 77-ball century against Australia was her 15th international ton, making her the first Asian cricketer to reach this milestone. In T20Is, she has 3,873 runs in 149 matches, which includes 1 century and 31 fifties.
Mandhana’s match-winning performances include her World Cup century in 2017, her first Test hundred in 2021, and several impactful innings in Australia and England. She shares the world record for the most ODI centuries as an opener with 12 in just 106 innings.
Her franchise career is also impressive. She has played for Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Thunder, and Adelaide Strikers in the WBBL. She played for Southern Brave in The Hundred and captained Royal Challengers Bangalore to their first Women’s Premier League title in 2024.
Mandhana’s achievements include the Arjuna Award, CEAT International Woman Cricketer of the Year in 2019, and Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year. She is a two-time ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year, winning in 2018 and 2021, and she was named ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2025.
Her career showcases a blend of elegance, aggression, and leadership, making her one of the most influential figures in women’s cricket today.
ICC Rankings and Recent Form
Smriti Mandhana reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings in September 2025 after a steady 58-run performance in the series opener against Australia. That innings earned her seven rating points, bringing her total to 735, which is four points ahead of England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, who fell to second place with 731. It marks Mandhana’s fourth time at the top, having first reached it in 2019 and most recently in July 2025.
Her rise comes at a critical moment, just before the ICC Women’s World Cup. Sciver-Brunt and Australia’s Beth Mooney are still strong contenders. However, Mandhana’s consistency in different conditions gives her an advantage. Mooney, for example, moved up to fifth place after scoring an unbeaten 77 in the same series. Still, Smriti’s talent for performing under pressure, especially after recovering from an ACL injury and a dip in form earlier this year, has set her apart.
Her recent performance against Australia, which included a 77-ball century in the second ODI, helped India level the series and strengthened her reputation as a clutch performer. With the World Cup approaching, Mandhana’s return to the top shows India’s determination and her readiness to lead.
Smriti Mandhana’s Role in Women’s Cricket Evolution
Smriti Mandhana has become more than just a top-order batter. She is a symbol of hope for young girls across India. Her journey from Sangli to global cricket stages has inspired a generation to see women’s cricket as a possibility. At just 29, she has already mentored younger players like Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol. She is often credited with helping them handle international pressure with confidence and clarity.
Off the field, Mandhana’s presence in the media has increased the visibility of women’s cricket. She has appeared in campaigns for brands like Hero MotoCorp, Nike, and Red Bull. She often shares the spotlight with male cricketers, breaking down gender barriers in sports marketing. Her social media following, interviews, and ad appearances have helped make women’s cricket a part of mainstream sports culture.
Mandhana’s leadership in the Women’s Premier League and her role in India’s silver and gold medal wins at the Commonwealth and Asian Games have further raised the sport’s profile. Her consistent performances and calm demeanor have made her a relatable icon. Young athletes can look up to her for technique, resilience, and grace.
In a country where cricket often focuses on men’s achievements, Smriti Mandhana has created a legacy that shifts the narrative. She is making space for women’s cricket to thrive, inspire, and lead.
India Women vs Australia Women: Rivalry and Impact
The rivalry between the India Women and the Australian Women has often favored Australia, as they have mainly dominated in various formats. However, recent performances suggest a change. India’s 102-run victory in the second ODI of the 2025 series marked a significant milestone. It was their largest-ever win over Australia by runs and their first home ODI win against them since 2007.
Smriti Mandhana has been at the center of this change. She scored a stunning 117 off 91 balls in that match, making it the second-fastest ODI century by an Indian woman and her 15th international century overall. Mandhana’s aggressive play in the power play and her ability to steady the innings helped India reach a strong total of 292, which was too much for Australia’s experienced lineup to chase. Beyond her impressive numbers, Mandhana’s leadership has been crucial. As vice-captain, she has influenced a bolder batting style, especially in tough matches. Her performance at the top of the order helps India gain early momentum, and her composure under stress benefits the younger players. Even in games where catches were missed or the middle order struggled, Mandhana’s reliability ensured stability.
Australia’s performance in the second ODI was underwhelming. Despite contributions from Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland, India’s bowlers, led by Kranti Goud and Deepti Sharma, capitalized on the scoreboard pressure to secure the victory. However, this series has reshaped the rivalry. India’s mix of aggressive batting and strategic bowling, highlighted by Mandhana’s talent, indicates that the gap between the two teams is closing quickly.
