By Tanisha Mohanty
Smriti Mandhana recorded the second fastest century by an Indian woman against Australia in New Chandigarh on Wednesday. The Vice-captain hit a massive 77- ball hundred in the second match of the ODI series. She also regained her coveted position at the top of the ICC rankings.
The record-breaking play is only second to her own 70 ball century against Ireland earlier this year. Her 12th ODI hundred, Mandhana also recorded the most centuries in WODIs, along with Suzie Bates and Tammy Beaumont, in only 106 innings. Amongst opening batters, she has also equalled with Suzie for the most hundreds by an opener.
With the ICC World Cup just ahead, Mandhana hit the 100 run mark with a lofty six, and eventually finished with a score of 117 in 91 deliveries. The left-hander added another jewel to her crown, by reclaiming her ranking at the apex of the ICC ODI rankings. She had first placed No.1 in 2019 and her latest innings has led to multiple such milestones.
The record aided the women in blue to land a whopping 292, which is the country’s highest ever score against the Aussies. Adding on, Smriti’s century is the fastest ODI century against Australia. Mandhana scored her maiden T20 century earlier this year as well.
After the win, India landed the first win against Australia since 2007. The Mullanpur Cricket Stadium also saw impressive stints by India’s seamers, which led to a much needed win, despite the total being a measly 292.
Mandhana had scored a half century in the opening match, but the women lost, as they dropped four crucial catches. The ODI series is now levelled at 1-1, with the Indian seamers coming in handy to save the match. The deciding match for the series will be held on Saturday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.