Smriti Mandhana Smashes Fastest ODI Century by an Indian, Breaks Kohli’s 12-Year Record

Smriti Mandhana Breaks Virat Kohli’s 12-Year Record with Fastest ODI Century by an Indian

India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana lit up the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday with a sensational 50-ball century against Australia, shattering Virat Kohli’s 12-year-old record for the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian. Kohli had previously held the record with a 52-ball century against Australia in Jaipur back in 2013. Mandhana’s explosive knock, coming in the final ODI of the three-match series, also became the second-fastest century in the history of women’s One Day Internationals just behind Meg Lanning’s 45-ball century against New Zealand in 2012.

The match quickly became one for the history books as both teams produced a batting spectacle. Australia, batting first, posted a colossal 412/7 their highest-ever ODI total against India. The innings was set up by openers Alyssa Healy (30 off 18) and Georgia Voll (81 off 68), followed by a steady knock of 68 from Ellyse Perry. However, it was Beth Mooney who stole the early headlines with a rapid 100 off just 57 deliveries, equaling Karen Rolton’s mark for the joint second-fastest century in women’s ODIs a record she held for only a few hours before Mandhana’s masterclass.

India’s bowlers struggled under the onslaught, with Arundhati Reddy conceding 86 runs in 8.5 overs the second-most by an Indian bowler in women’s ODIs despite picking up three wickets. Renuka Singh also bore the brunt of Australia’s aggressive batting, giving away 79 runs in nine overs. The visitors capitalized on India’s misfields, inconsistent bowling, and erratic field placements, smashing 60 boundaries and 5 sixes nearly one boundary every four balls.

Faced with a mammoth 413-run target, Smriti Mandhana rose to the occasion with a breathtaking innings that not only kept India in the chase but also rewrote the record books. This was her fourth century of the calendar year and her second consecutive ODI hundred making her the only Indian to achieve back-to-back centuries twice in their career. She now boasts 13 ODI tons, equaling Suzie Bates for second-most in women’s ODI history, just two behind Meg Lanning’s all-time record of 15.

Mandhana’s historic knock stood out not just for its speed but for its timing and context. With the series tied at 1-1, the final ODI became a decider, and her innings injected life into what could have otherwise been a one-sided affair. Her aggressive yet composed strokeplay captivated fans and pundits alike, reaffirming her place among the modern greats of the game.

In a match filled with fireworks from both teams, it was Smriti Mandhana’s brilliance that stood tallest not just breaking records but elevating the stature of Indian women’s cricket on a global stage.