Smriti Mandhana wrote history on Saturday by breaking the long-standing record of Virat Kohli for the fastest century achieved by an Indian in ODI (One Day International) cricket. Kohli had set the record way back in 2013 when he completed his ton in a mere 52 deliveries against Australia. Smriti Mandhana, however, went two balls quicker, completing the feat in exactly 50 deliveries in the third ODI against Australia in New Delhi.
Smriti Mandhana Breaks Virat Kohli’s Record
Batting on 95, Mandhana brought up her century in style by slog-sweeping Alana King for a six over midwicket. The moment was a special achievement for India because not only did Smriti create history, but she was also against the same opponent as Virat was. Kohli’s 52-ball goal was made during India’s successful chase of 360 runs in Jaipur against Australia.
Mandhana also broke her own record of the fastest century in Women’s ODIs made by an Indian, which was earlier at 70 balls. This innings is testimony to her increasing reputation as one of the most consistent athletes in women’s cricket. Playing at the top of the order, she hit 17 fours and five sixes in her 125-run innings before falling to Grace Harris in the early stages of the 22nd over.
Smriti Mandhana’s century record was the second-fastest in the history of Women’s ODI cricket, only behind Meg Lanning’s 45-ball century against New Zealand in 2012. She now has 13 Women’s ODI centuries, which is equal to Suzie Bates, the second of all-time, behind only Meg Lanning’s 15.
The innings was notable on several fronts. Not only did Mandhana achieve back-to-back centuries, tying her own record of consecutive tons for India, but she also achieved her fourth ODI century against Australia, demonstrating her competence against one of the world’s strongest cricket teams. She also tied with South Africa’s Tazmin Brits for the record most ODI centuries in women’s cricket this year.
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Despite India being under pressure after Beth Mooney’s 57-ball hundred and Australia’s massive 412-run total, Mandhana’s innings stood out as a bold reply. Though she eventually succumbed to defeat at 125 runs, her remarkable performance will go down as one of the finest ever played by an Indian batter in ODIs, immortalised forever alongside Virat Kohli’s iconic innings.
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