Mandhana’s blazing century ends India’s 18-year wait for home ODI win over Australia
JAI BHARADWAJ
Image Source: BCCI Women
Smriti Mandhana’s breathtaking 117 off 91 balls led India Women to a dominant 102-run victory over Australia Women in the second One Day International of the series at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.
The win, India’s first home ODI triumph over Australia in 18 years and 206 days, levelled the three-match series 1-1.
Image Source: BCCI Women
Harmanpreet Kaur (India Captain) said,
“We are pleased with the way we played today… Our focus is always on keeping things simple and clear, and we managed to get the right breakthroughs at the right time.”
A blazing start, a landmark knock
After being sent in to bat, India’s openers set the tone early with Pratika Rawal contributing 25 off 32 and the explosive Mandhana putting Australia under immediate pressure. Mandhana launched into her innings with ferocity: 8 boundaries and 2 sixes in the powerplay helped her reach 64/0 by the 10-over mark. Her century was decorated with 14 fours and 4 sixes, reaching the milestone in just 77 balls — becoming the second-fastest century by an Indian woman in ODIs and equalling the world record for most hundreds by a women’s ODI opener.
The middle overs brought some turbulence for India. Harleen Deol (10), Harmanpreet Kaur (17), and Richa Ghosh (29) fell after promising starts, but Deepti Sharma’s composed 40 helped steady the ship. Sneh Rana smashed 24 off 18 to push the scoring forward and enable India to close at 292 in 49.5 overs. Although Ashleigh Gardner (2/39) and Darcie Brown (3/42) were among Australia’s standout bowlers, the damage of an imposing total had already been done.
Image Source: BCCI Women
Australia Captain Alyssa Healy said,
“India played excellent cricket today. They outperformed us in every phase… It makes for a valuable lesson as we head into the World Cup.”
Australia’s reply falls short
Australia, chasing 293 for victory, lost two quick wickets early — Georgia Voll departed for a duck and her opener partner Alyssa Healy fell to Kranti Goud. Goud was the pick of the Indian bowlers, finishing with 3/28. While Ellyse Perry (44) and Annabel Sutherland (45) offered resistance, the frequent loss of wickets prevented the Australian side from building any substantial partnerships. Ultimately, they were bowled out for 190 in 40.5 overs. India’s bowlers — Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana, and Radha Yadav — shared the spoils to seal the win.
This victory was not just a win; it was a landmark moment for Indian women’s cricket. It ended a nearly two-decade-long drought where India had been unable to beat Australia in an ODI on home soil. It also delivered India their biggest margin of defeat over Australia in Women’s ODIs. The result is likely to boost confidence ahead of the 2025 Women’s World Cup, and re-solidifies India as a force to be reckoned with — especially when Mandhana fires.
Smriti Mandhana was declared Player of the Match.
She said,
“My last two hundreds against Australia came in losing causes, so I am really happy that this time it helped us win. The plan was clear — take advantage of the powerplay and then build the innings… With Australia you usually know the par score, around 280 to 290, which gives our bowlers that extra cushion.”
Image Source: BCCI Women
India’s win in this match will no doubt be remembered — not just for the statistics, but for what it symbolises: a return to form, belief, and a reminder that past records do not define future potential.
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