Smriti Mandhana, the vice-captain of the Indian women's cricket team, has etched her name in the record books with a phenomenal batting display against Australia in the third ODI. In a thrilling encounter, Mandhana shattered the record for the fastest ODI century by an Indian, surpassing Virat Kohli's previous record.

Mandhana reached her century in just 50 balls, leaving behind Kohli's 52-ball ton against Australia in 2013. This remarkable feat occurred during India's chase of a massive 412-run target set by Australia. While India fell short of the target, Mandhana's innings was a dazzling display of power hitting and skillful stroke play. She ultimately scored 125 runs off 63 balls, decorated with 17 fours and 5 sixes.

Records Broken and Milestones Achieved:

• Fastest ODI Century by an Indian: Mandhana's 50-ball century is now the fastest by any Indian, male or female, in ODI cricket.
• Second-Fastest Century in Women's ODIs: Her blistering innings is also the second-fastest in the history of women's ODIs, only behind Meg Lanning's 45-ball century against New Zealand in 2012.
• 13th ODI Century: This was Mandhana's 13th century in Women's ODIs. As an opener in Women's ODIs, she has the joint-highest centuries (13) along with Suzie Bates. Meanwhile, she has the joint second-highest centuries with Bates in the list for most tons in Women's ODIs.
• Consecutive Centuries: She also equalled her own record of most hundreds in consecutive innings for India in Women's ODIs.
• Fourth Ton Against Australia: This was her fourth ODI century against Australia.
• Most Tons This Year: It was also her fourth ODI ton in women's cricket this year, leveling Tazmin Brits, and the duo have the most this year.

Other notable records and stats from the match:

• Beth Mooney's century in 57 balls equaled the second-fastest century in women's ODIs, before Mandhana surpassed it.
• Australia equaled their highest ODI total by scoring 412.
• India conceded 400 or more runs for the first time in Women's ODIs.

Smriti Mandhana's Career at a Glance:

Smriti Mandhana, born on July 18, 1996, has become a pivotal figure in Indian cricket. A left-handed batter, she made her international debut in 2013. Some of her achievements include:

• First Indian woman to score a century in both ODIs and Tests in Australia.
• ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award) twice, in 2018 and 2021.

Mandhana has also been a consistent performer in franchise leagues, representing teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women's Premier League (WPL). In 2023, she was the most expensive player bought at the WPL auction, and in 2024 she led RCB to their maiden WPL title.

As India prepares to host the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, Smriti Mandhana's recent form and record-breaking performance provide a major boost to the team's confidence. Her ability to deliver under pressure and her aggressive batting style make her a formidable opponent for any team.