Cricket has always been India’s biggest love story. From Sachin’s straight drives to Dhoni’s helicopter shots, we’ve all grown up with moments that made us scream, cry, or jump off the sofa. And now, another chapter has been added to that story—thanks to Smriti Mandhana.
She just did something that not even Virat Kohli had managed. Yep, you read that right. Smriti Mandhana is now the fastest Indian to score an ODI century, and honestly, the way she played, it felt like she wasn’t batting with a bat—it was a magic wand.
A Knock for the Ages
Picture this: India chasing a massive 413 against Australia. The pressure is sky-high. And then walks in Mandhana, calm as ever, and boom!—boundaries start flowing like monsoon rain.
- 125 runs in just 63 balls.
- 17 boundaries.
- 5 sixes.
- And a 100 in just 50 balls.
To put it in perspective, Virat Kohli’s fastest ODI century took 52 balls. Smriti broke that record with a smile that said, “Records are meant to be rewritten.”
Honestly, if cricket had a “Turbo Mode” like video games, this was it. One moment you refreshed the scorecard, and by the time you looked again, she’d doubled the runs.
Not a One-Hit Wonder
Some might say, “Okay, one great innings, but what next?” Here’s the catch—Mandhana isn’t just having a lucky day; she’s been in ridiculous form all year.
Just before this, she smashed another century against Australia in the second ODI, helping India win by 102 runs. That makes it back-to-back hundreds. This isn’t luck—it’s domination.
If consistency was a Netflix series, Smriti would be the top-rated show everyone binge-watches. Every inning feels like the next episode we can’t skip.
Why Fans Can’t Stop Talking About It
This isn’t just a “women’s cricket story.” It’s an Indian cricket story. For decades, the spotlight has been on men’s cricket. But Mandhana’s innings showed us something bigger—that cricket doesn’t care about gender, it cares about greatness.
And here’s why this matters even more: the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is just around the corner. Mandhana’s form is giving India the kind of confidence boost that feels like a power shot of espresso before an exam.
More Than Runs and Records
What makes Smriti special is that she’s not just inspiring teammates—she’s inspiring an entire generation. Remember when every kid in the mohalla used to yell “Main Kohli banunga!” while batting? These days, you’ll hear “Main Mandhana banungi!” echoing from gully cricket pitches.
Off the field, her humility and smile make her even more loved. She isn’t just a cricketer; she’s a role model. Whether it’s young girls picking up a bat for the first time or fans making memes after her innings, everyone wants a piece of the “Mandhana magic.”
The Harsh Reality: India Still Lost
Now, here’s the bittersweet part. Despite Mandhana’s fiery century, India fell short. Australia’s batting blitz of 413 runs proved too big to chase, and India lost the match by 44 runs.
Mandhana may have set the stage on fire, but cricket is still a team game. India’s bowlers couldn’t contain Australia earlier, and the middle-order couldn’t back up Mandhana’s brilliance.
It’s like having a Ferrari parked outside but forgetting to fill it with petrol—you’re not going anywhere. India needs the rest of the squad to match her energy if we want that World Cup trophy.
A Legacy in the Making
Smriti Mandhana has already given us so many moments, but this record puts her in a whole new league. She’s not just breaking women’s cricket records—she’s smashing past the benchmarks of Indian cricket legends.
Think about it: when the history books talk about fastest ODI centuries, her name comes before Kohli’s. That’s not just big, that’s historic.
What’s Next?
All eyes are now on the Women’s World Cup. Can Smriti keep this form alive on the biggest stage? Most fans believe she can. But the bigger question is—can the team rise with her? Because if they do, India might just have a fairytale ending waiting for them.
Final Word
Smriti Mandhana’s innings wasn’t just about runs. It was about sending a message: women’s cricket isn’t the future—it’s the present.
Records will come and go, but the way she’s playing, one thing is clear: Smriti Mandhana isn’t just making news, she’s making history. And as fans, we’re lucky to witness it in real time.
So the next time someone asks you what’s the latest Smriti Mandhana cricket news, you can say this: She didn’t just beat a record. She made the entire nation believe that a new cricketing legend has arrived—even if Australia walked away with the win by 44 runs.