Smriti Mandhana continues to redefine women’s cricket, smashing records and setting new benchmarks in the sport. On January 10, 2025, she became the fastest Indian woman to score 4,000 ODI runs and followed it up with a blistering 70-ball century, the fastest by any Indian woman, in the third ODI against Ireland at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.
A Record-Breaking Century
Smriti Mandhana, leading the Indian side in the absence of regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, showcased her brilliance by scoring her 10th ODI century. Her knock included nine boundaries and four sixes, eclipsing Kaur’s 87-ball record set in 2024. Mandhana’s century now ranks as the joint-eighth fastest in Women’s ODIs, placing her among global greats like Meg Lanning and Charlotte Edwards.
The 28-year-old’s partnership with debutant opener Pratika Rawal was pivotal. The duo shared a mammoth 200-plus run stand, propelling India to a dominant position in the series.
Fastest to 4,000 Runs
Earlier in the same series, Mandhana achieved the milestone of 4,000 ODI runs in just 95 innings, a feat unmatched by any Indian woman and bettered globally only by legends Belinda Clarke and Meg Lanning. She now stands as the 15th cricketer overall to reach this mark and the second Indian woman after Mithali Raj.
Mandhana’s achievement draws parallels with Indian men’s cricket greats. She equaled Shikhar Dhawan’s pace to 4,000 runs and came close to Virat Kohli’s record of 93 innings, cementing her status as one of cricket’s most consistent performers.
Continuing Her Stellar Form
Smriti Mandhana’s incredible start to 2025 is a continuation of her dominant form from 2024, where she amassed over 700 runs in ODIs and became the first player to score four centuries in a single calendar year. Her feats have placed her alongside some of the most decorated players in the history of the game, inspiring a generation of young cricketers.
The Bigger Picture
With her records and performances, Smriti Mandhana isn’t just winning matches; she’s changing the narrative around women’s cricket in India and beyond. As she continues to shatter barriers and break records, Mandhana remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide.