The Rise of India's Batting Maestro
Breaking Records in 2024: A Historic Year
The year 2024 proved to be a watershed moment for Mandhana's career. She achieved an unprecedented feat by scoring four ODI centuries in a single calendar year, setting a new record in women's cricket. This extraordinary achievement earned her the prestigious ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year award for 2024, recognizing her as the world's premier ODI batter.
During this remarkable year, Mandhana accumulated 747 runs in 13 ODI matches at an impressive average of 57.46. Her consistency was unmatched, as she complemented her four centuries with three half-centuries, demonstrating her ability to convert starts into substantial scores consistently.
Current Tally: 11 ODI Centuries and Counting
As of 2025, Smriti Mandhana has reached 11 ODI centuries, making her the third-highest century scorer in women's ODI cricket. Her 11th ODI hundred came in spectacular fashion during the 2025 Women's Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka, where she guided India to a commanding 97-run victory and helped secure the series trophy.
This achievement places her among the elite company of women's cricket legends, with only a select few having scored more ODI centuries than the talented left-hander from Karnataka.
The Fastest Indian Century Record
Mandhana's excellence isn't just about quantity; it's about the manner of her scoring. In January 2025, she scripted history by scoring the fastest ODI century by an Indian woman, reaching her hundred in just 70 balls against Ireland. This stunning knock of 135 runs off 80 balls, featuring 12 boundaries and seven sixes, broke the previous record held by Harmanpreet Kaur, who had scored her century in 87 balls.
This innings was part of India's record-breaking team performance, where they posted their highest-ever ODI total of 435/5, showcasing Mandhana's ability to anchor high-scoring innings while maintaining an aggressive approach.
Technical Excellence and Playing Style
What sets Mandhana apart is her elegant left-handed batting style combined with aggressive shot-making. Her ability to dominate bowling attacks across different conditions has made her a nightmare for opposition bowlers. She possesses an exceptional range of shots, from delicate cuts and drives to powerful pulls and lofted shots over the infield.
Her record includes not just centuries but also the most fifty-plus scores in T20I cricket and the second-most runs in the shortest format, highlighting her versatility across different formats of the game.
Global Recognition and Rankings
Mandhana's consistent performances have earned her recognition as the world's number one ODI batter in women's cricket. Her ability to perform under pressure in crucial matches has made her an invaluable asset to the Indian team and a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
The ICC's recognition of her as the ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024 underscores her dominance in the format and her contribution to raising the profile of women's cricket globally.
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects
At just 29 years old, Mandhana has several years of cricket ahead of her. Her current form suggests that more records are likely to fall, and her pursuit of becoming the highest century scorer in women's ODI cricket remains well within reach.
As India prepares for upcoming major tournaments, including the ODI World Cup, Mandhana's experience and proven track record make her one of the key players to watch. Her ability to perform on the biggest stages and deliver match-winning performances has established her as one of the finest cricketers of her generation.
Conclusion
Smriti Mandhana's journey from a promising young talent to becoming one of the most successful batters in women's cricket is truly inspirational. Her record-breaking performances, particularly her century-scoring prowess, have not only brought laurels to Indian cricket but have also contributed significantly to the growing popularity of women's cricket worldwide.
With 11 ODI centuries already under her belt and showing no signs of slowing down, Mandhana continues to set new benchmarks in women's cricket, inspiring a new generation of cricketers and fans alike.