Smriti Mandhana makes HISTORY against AUS, becoming 1st female batter in 51 years to achieve THIS incredible feat

In a thrilling match in Perth on Wednesday, Smriti Mandhana stood out by hitting a remarkable century against Australia in the third ODI series. This impressive feat not only marks her fourth ODI century of 2024 but also distinguishes her as the first woman to accomplish this in ODIs. With this record-breaking performance, Mandhana solidifies her position as a standout player in women's cricket.

Prior to Mandhana’s achievement, the record for the most centuries in a year for women’s ODIs was set at three, a feat shared by several remarkable players including South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt. Other well-known cricketers like Meg Lanning and Nat Sciver-Brunt have also reached three centuries in a calendar year. Mandhana’s latest milestone not only showcases her exceptional talent but also sets a new standard for future generations of players.

So far in the 2024 ODI season, Mandhana has played ten matches, racking up 599 runs with an impressive average of 59.90 and a strike rate of 97.08. Her highest score this year has been a stunning 136 runs. Earlier in the season, she had a brilliant outing in the home series against South Africa, where she achieved two centuries alongside a near-century performance.

Despite her extraordinary innings, Mandhana was eventually dismissed shortly after reaching her century, scoring 105 runs off 109 balls. Australian all-rounder Ash Gardner has proven to be a tough opponent, having dismissed Mandhana several times across different formats.

In the same game, Australia managed to set a competitive target, posting 298 runs for six wickets, largely driven by an impressive 110 runs from Annabel Sutherland. On the Indian side, Arundhati Reddy stood out with four wickets, achieving her career-best figures in limited-overs cricket. This match highlighted not just individual talent but also the fierce competitive spirit present in women’s cricket.