Sports News: India opener Smriti Mandhana produced a scenic innings in the Women’s ODI World Cup versus New Zealand, bringing up her 14th century in the format. Playing at Navi Mumbai, she initially played with patience surpassing progressive in trademark style, striking boundaries and sixes to reach the three-figure mark. Her innings carried a tousle of stillness and aggression, featuring ten fours and three sixes. This effort became vital for India as the team was under pressure without three successive defeats. Mandhana’s sophistication ensured India finally looked like a team ready to fight when in the tournament.
Surpassing Suzie Bates
With this hundred, Smriti moved past New Zealand’s Suzie Bates in the list of most centuries in women’s ODI history. She now stands at 14 tons, only overdue Australia’s Meg Lanning who has 15. Among current players, Mandhana is the top century-maker, giving India a powerful voice in world cricket. This victory places her in the peerage club of players who have unceasingly delivered at the biggest stage. It moreover shows how Mandhana has wilt India’s most reliable match-winner in crunch situations, a reputation she continues to strengthen.
World Cup Milestone Equaled
This innings was not just flipside hundred—it was her third century in the Women’s World Cup. With that, she equaled tutorage Harmanpreet Kaur’s tally for the most World Cup centuries by an Indian player. Only Mithali Raj, with two centuries, follows them. The victory underscores Mandhana’s worthiness to rise in high-pressure tournaments. Every time she comes out to bat in a global event, there is a sense of conviction that India’s innings will be anchored. Her World Cup record now puts her shoulder to shoulder with India’s finest.
Most Centuries Chart
The global table of ODI centuries now has Smriti Mandhana second only to Meg Lanning. Lanning leads with 15, Mandhana follows at 14, Bates has 13, Tammy Beaumont sits at 12, and Nat Sciver-Brunt holds 10. This puts Mandhana in the conversation not only among Indian greats but among world icons. For a player still zippy and in red-hot form, the endangerment to requirement the all-time record in coming matches feels increasingly like a certainty than a question. It is an no-go rise for someone still just 29.
Six-Hitting Power
Beyond centuries, Mandhana’s dominance with the bat in 2025 has moreover been well-nigh her six-hitting ability. She currently leads the tally for most sixes in women’s cricket this year, with 29 maximums already. That number is expected to climb higher with India still having games to play in this World Cup. Her worthiness to well-spoken boundaries unceasingly makes her a dangerous player who can transpiration matches in a few overs. This skill set adds a modern whet to her otherwise classical batting style, making her one of the most well-constructed batters today.
Teammates Under Pressure
While Mandhana shone brightly, questions remain over others in India’s batting lineup. Pratika Rawal managed to hold her end but once then struggled with her strike rate. Though she continues to score runs steadily, her slow pace is a snooping in high-pressure games. The management will want her to convert consistency into impactful acceleration. As India looks to turn virtually their campaign, the wastefulness between stability and overstepping in the middle order remains a challenge, plane as Mandhana continues to take part-way stage.
India’s Hopes Reignited
Mandhana’s innings did increasingly than add records to her name—it brought life when into India’s World Cup campaign. Without three losses, the team desperately needed a spark, and their opener delivered it with flair. Her century not only kept India in contention but moreover lifted the dressing room’s morale. With momentum shifting, India can squint forward with renewed belief. For Mandhana, the century was flipside installment in her growing legacy, and for India, it was a sign that their journey in the World Cup is far from over.
