In a dominating performance against Ireland, India's Smriti Mandhana smashed a 70-ball ton - the fastest by an Indian women's batter in ODI cricket. Her explosive knock of 135 runs off 80 balls included 12 boundaries and 7 sixes, propelling India to their highest-ever ODI total of 370/5. This marks Mandhana's 10th ODI century, making her the first Indian woman and third opener overall to have 10 50-over tons in her career. Her exceptional performance in 2024 earned her a nomination for the prestigious ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year award.
Smriti Mandhana: A Rising Star in Indian Cricket
Smriti Mandhana, a prodigious talent in Indian cricket, has consistently proven her prowess on the field, etching her name into the annals of history. Her most recent triumph came against Ireland in 2024, where she shattered records and showcased her exceptional batting abilities.
Record-Breaking Century Against Ireland
In a dominant display against Ireland, Mandhana smashed a blistering 70-ball century, becoming the fastest Indian women's batter to achieve this feat in ODI cricket. Her explosive knock propelled India to their highest-ever ODI total of 370/5, with Mandhana contributing a magnificent 135 runs off just 80 deliveries.
This ton was not only the fastest by an Indian batter but also marked Mandhana's 10th ODI century, a remarkable milestone that made her the first Indian woman and third opener overall to have 10 50-over tons to her name.
Background
Mandhana, who hails from Mumbai, made her ODI debut for India in 2015 and has since emerged as one of the most feared batters in the world. She is known for her aggressive strokeplay and ability to adapt to different playing conditions.
In recent years, Mandhana has led the Indian batting lineup with aplomb, scoring numerous match-winning centuries. She has played a pivotal role in India's success in the Women's One Day International format, helping the team reach the semi-finals of the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup and the finals of the 2022 tournament.
Recognition and Honors
Mandhana's exceptional performance in 2024 earned her a nomination for the prestigious ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unmatched talent on the cricket field.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is Smriti Mandhana's highest ODI score? Smriti Mandhana's highest ODI score is 135, which she achieved against Ireland in 2024.
2. How many ODI centuries does Smriti Mandhana have? Smriti Mandhana has 10 ODI centuries, making her the first Indian woman and third opener overall to have this milestone.
3. What is Smriti Mandhana's batting style? Smriti Mandhana is an aggressive left-handed batter known for her strokeplay and ability to dominate bowlers.
4. When did Smriti Mandhana make her ODI debut? Smriti Mandhana made her ODI debut for India in 2015 against Australia.
5. What is Smriti Mandhana's current ICC ODI ranking? As of April 2023, Smriti Mandhana is ranked second in the ICC Women's ODI Batter Rankings.
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