In Tuesday’s series finale against New Zealand, Smriti Mandhana made history by recording her eighth ODI century. The star opener played a pivotal role in India’s 233-run chase, guiding the hosts to a 6-wicket victory and securing the series win 2-1. Her 100-run inning surpassed the record previously shared with the legendary Mithali Raj, making Mandhana the Indian women’s player with the most ODI centuries, now standing at eight. Before this match, both Mandhana and former captain Mithali had seven centuries each, but Mandhana rose to the occasion and set a new benchmark while steering India to a series win. However, in the global rankings, she still trails Australia’s Meg Lanning, who leads with 15 centuries.
Mandhana reached her milestone off 121 balls, punctuating her innings with 10 boundaries, as India comfortably chased down the target. Her remarkable form in ODIs this year has been highlighted by three centuries in just seven matches, showing no signs of slowing down. Earlier, New Zealand chose to bat first, making a single change to their lineup with Hannah Rowe replacing Jess Kerr. India also made a switch, bringing in Renuka Singh for Arundhati Reddy. Shreyanka Patil was unavailable due to shin splints, with BCCI’s medical team closely monitoring her recovery.
New Zealand’s middle-order batter Halliday scored a steady 86 off 96 balls, helping her team post a moderate total. However, the Indian bowlers maintained disciplined lines, applying early pressure and reducing New Zealand to 25 for two in just over seven overs. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, and the visitors were eventually bowled out for 232. During the chase, Mandhana anchored the innings, rebuilding alongside Yastika Bhatia (35) after an early loss of Shafali Verma (12). A commanding 117-run partnership between Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur left India firmly in control, with Kaur finishing unbeaten on 59, sealing the series with a boundary.
