Smriti Mandhana: Trailblazing Her Way to Cricket History Consecutive
ODI Centuries
Discover the inspiring
journey of Smriti Mandhana, from her early days in cricket to becoming one of
the most celebrated women cricketers globally. Learn about her record-breaking
achievements, including being the first Indian woman to score consecutive ODI
centuries and matching Mithali Raj’s record of seven ODI centuries. Stay
updated on Mandhana’s latest performances and contributions to Indian women’s
cricket
Smriti Mandhana,
Women’s cricket, Indian women cricketers, ODI centuries, Smriti Mandhana
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Remarkable
Feat by
Smriti Mandhana
In a stellar display of
batting prowess, Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the annals of cricket
history by becoming the first Indian woman to score consecutive centuries in
One Day Internationals (ODIs). During the second ODI against South Africa at
the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Mandhana delivered an outstanding
performance, scoring 136 runs off 120 balls. This remarkable feat comes on the
heels of her 117-run innings in the series opener, helping India secure a 143-run
victory.
Match
Highlights: India vs. South Africa, 2nd ODI
In the second ODI, Mandhana’s
aggressive yet calculated innings was a key factor as India aimed to seal the
series against the Laura Wolvaardt-led South African team. Her innings included
a series of elegant strokes and powerful hits, continuing her sublime form and
providing a strong foundation for India.
Record-Breaking
Performance
Mandhana’s 136-run knock not
only marked her second consecutive century but also matched former Indian
captain Mithali Raj’s record of seven ODI centuries. This puts both players in
joint 10th position on the all-time list of most centuries in women’s ODIs, led
by Australia’s Meg Lanning with 15 centuries.
Historical
Context
The left-handed opener’s
back-to-back centuries make her the second Indian woman to achieve this
milestone in international cricket, following Sandhya Agarwal’s consecutive
tons in a Test series against England in 1986. Additionally, Mandhana surpassed
her previous best ODI score of 135 against South Africa in 2018, making this
her highest-ever ODI score and the fourth-highest individual score by an Indian
batter in women’s ODIs.
Series
and Tournament Context
The ongoing series is a part
of the 2022–2025 ICC Women’s Championship cycle, a crucial tournament
determining qualifications for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Despite
India’s automatic qualification as hosts, these matches are essential for
ranking and preparation. The final ODI of the series is scheduled for June 23
in Bengaluru, followed by a one-off Test match in Chennai and a three-game T20I
series.
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Mandhana’s extraordinary
achievement not only highlights her exceptional talent but also reinforces
India’s strong presence in women’s cricket. As the series progresses, fans
eagerly anticipate more record-breaking performances and exhilarating matches.
Smriti Mandhana: A Trailblazer in Women’s Cricket
Smriti Mandhana, the name
that has become synonymous with excellence in women’s cricket, has carved out a
remarkable history with her exceptional batting skills and record-breaking
performances. From her early days in cricket to becoming one of the most
celebrated players globally, Mandhana’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Early Life and
Introduction to Cricket
Born on July 18, 1996, in
Mumbai, Smriti Mandhana moved to Sangli, Maharashtra, where her cricketing
journey began. Inspired by her brother, Shravan, who played at the district
level, Mandhana started practicing cricket at a young age. Her dedication and
talent quickly became evident, leading her to be selected for the Maharashtra
Under-15 team at just nine years old.
Rise to
Prominence
Mandhana’s rise in cricket
was meteoric. She made her debut for the Indian women’s cricket team in April
2013 against Bangladesh. Her performance in the domestic circuit, especially in
the 2016 Women’s Challenger Trophy, where she scored three consecutive
half-centuries, including a match-winning 62-ball 82 in the final, highlighted
her as a promising talent.
Record-Breaking
Feats
One of Mandhana’s most
notable achievements came in 2018 when she became the first Indian woman to
score a double century in a one-day game. Playing for Maharashtra against
Gujarat, she scored an unbeaten 224 off 150 balls, showcasing her aggressive
yet elegant batting style.
In June 2023, Mandhana made
history again by becoming the first Indian woman to score consecutive centuries
in ODIs. Her back-to-back centuries against South Africa at the M. Chinnaswamy
Stadium in Bengaluru cemented her status as a cricketing legend. She matched
Mithali Raj’s record of seven ODI centuries, making her one of the top ten
centurions in women’s ODI history.
Accolades and
Recognition
Smriti Mandhana’s
contributions to cricket have been recognized globally. In 2018, she was named
the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year and the ICC Women’s ODI Player of the
Year. Her consistent performances have also earned her a spot in the ICC
Women’s ODI Team of the Year multiple times.
Contribution
to Indian Women’s Cricket
Beyond her individual
achievements, Mandhana has been pivotal in the growth of women’s cricket in
India. As an opener, her aggressive batting style sets the tone for the team,
inspiring young cricketers and drawing significant attention to women’s
cricket. Her presence in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and Kia Super
League (KSL) has further showcased Indian talent on international platforms.
Future
Prospects
As Smriti Mandhana continues
to break records and set new benchmarks, her future in cricket looks incredibly
promising. With the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup on the horizon, fans eagerly
await more stellar performances from this cricketing sensation.
Stay Updated
with Smriti Mandhana’s Journey
Keep up with all the latest
updates on Smriti Mandhana and the Indian women’s cricket team on Crickit.
Watch live matches, get exclusive insights, and enjoy cricket anytime,
anywhere.
Smriti Mandhana’s history in
cricket is a testament to her hard work, talent, and unwavering passion for the
sport. Her journey continues to inspire countless young athletes, making her a
true icon in the world of cricket.
Smriti Mandhana’s cricketing
journey is a narrative of relentless perseverance, outstanding talent, and
inspiring achievements. As she continues to shatter records and elevate the
standards of women’s cricket, Mandhana not only cements her legacy but also paves
the way for future generations of female cricketers.
Her story is a testament
to the fact that with passion, dedication, and hard work, one can reach
unparalleled heights. As fans and aspiring athletes look up to her, Smriti
Mandhana stands as a beacon of excellence and inspiration in the world of
cricket. Her journey is far from over, and the cricketing world eagerly awaits
the next chapter in her extraordinary career.
