In a spectacular display of batting mastery, Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana carved her name deeper into cricket history books by smashing her 14th ODI century against New Zealand in a World Cup encounter that left fans breathless.
A Record-Breaking Innings
The elegant left-hander achieved this monumental feat in just her 100th ODI appearance, becoming the fastest Indian cricketer - male or female - to reach 14 centuries in the 50-over format. Mandhana surpassed the legendary Virat Kohli, who took 103 innings to achieve the same milestone.
Her magnificent knock of 127 runs came at a crucial juncture for the Indian team, showcasing not just her technical prowess but also her ability to anchor the innings under pressure. The innings was decorated with 16 boundaries and 2 massive sixes, treating spectators to a batting masterclass.
Milestones Galore for the Indian Star
Mandhana's record-breaking achievement includes:
- Fastest Indian to 14 ODI centuries (100 innings)
- Third-highest century-maker in women's ODI cricket
- Second Indian woman to score a century in her 100th ODI
- Continuing her phenomenal form in the ongoing World Cup tournament
Team India's Dominant Performance
The Indian women's cricket team put up a commanding performance, with Mandhana's century forming the backbone of their imposing total. Her partnerships with fellow batters demonstrated the growing depth and confidence in the Indian batting lineup.
This victory against New Zealand marks a significant statement from the Women in Blue as they continue their campaign in the prestigious tournament. The team's balanced approach - combining aggressive batting with disciplined bowling - suggests they are genuine contenders for the title.
What This Means for Women's Cricket
Mandhana's historic achievement comes at a time when women's cricket is gaining unprecedented recognition worldwide. Such performances not only inspire young girls to take up the sport but also elevate the standard and visibility of women's cricket globally.
The Indian vice-captain continues to be a role model for aspiring cricketers, proving that with dedication and skill, records are meant to be broken. Her latest century adds another glorious chapter to India's rich cricketing legacy.
