Smriti Mandhana's spectacular century propelled India to a resounding 102-run victory over Australia in the second ODI of their three-match series. This win, achieved on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, levels the series at 1-1 and marks India's largest-ever ODI win against Australia. It also ends India's 18-year wait for a home ODI win against the Aussies.

The match, held in Mullanpur, saw India batting first after Australia chose to field, a decision they may have come to regret. Mandhana seized the initiative from the start, demonstrating aggressive intent and dictating terms to the Australian bowlers. She reached her half-century in just 45 balls and continued her onslaught, eventually reaching her century in a mere 77 balls. This is the second-fastest ODI century by an Indian woman and the fastest against Australia.

Mandhana's innings of 117 runs, scored off 91 balls, included 14 fours and 4 sixes. Her aggressive approach put the Australian bowlers under immense pressure, particularly Georgia Wareham, who conceded 29 runs in just two overs. By the time Mandhana was dismissed in the 34th over, she had set a solid foundation for India's innings.

Other Indian batters found it difficult to maintain Mandhana's tempo. However, Deepti Sharma contributed a valuable 40, and Richa Ghosh added 29, ensuring that the run rate didn't fall drastically. Sneh Rana's quickfire 24 off 18 balls further boosted India's total, helping them reach 292 before being all out on the last ball of the innings. Darcie Brown was the pick of the Australian bowlers, claiming three wickets.

Australia's chase never gained momentum, with India's tight bowling and fielding restricting them to just 25 runs in the first 10 overs for the loss of two wickets. The Australian batting lineup struggled against the disciplined Indian attack and were eventually bowled out for 190 in 40.5 overs. Kranti Gaud was the top bowler with 3 wickets. This 102-run victory is Australia's heaviest defeat in the format.

With this century, Mandhana equaled the world record for most ODI centuries as an opener, joining New Zealand's Suzie Bates and England's Tammy Beaumont. She now has 12 centuries in 106 innings as an opener since her debut in 2013. Only Meg Lanning (15) and Suzie Bates (13) have more ODI centuries overall. This series is crucial for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The final ODI will be played in New Delhi on September 20.