On Wednesday, Smriti Mandhana made history as the first Indian woman to score consecutive One Day International centuries. Her innings of 103 balls for a hundred followed her previous 117 runs against South Africa.
The two consecutive centuries highlight Mandhana’s excellent form and rising status in global women’s cricket. This achievement ties her with Mithali Raj’s record of seven ODI hundreds, showcasing her batting consistency and brilliance.
In batting first at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, South Africa may have been hoping for some morning favoring conditions. Yet, Mandhana had other ideas. She showed caution at the start respecting good balls but jumping on any wrong one. This was a beautiful knock from her with well-timed boundaries and some brilliant running between the wickets. As she progressed through her innings, her confidence began to soar before reaching one hundred with a four that sent the crowd into wild celebrations.
What Mandhana has accomplished is something more than a personal milestone, it is the Indian women’s cricket that has evolved, and through this feat, many young girls have found inspiration to take up the sport as well. Her performance represents hope and sets an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
Mandhana’s achievement carries meaning beyond individual awards. It places her among the greats of Indian cricket and highlights the potential in women’s cricket that exists elsewhere. In order for women’s cricket to gain recognition, therefore, performances like Mandhana’s are vital during this period of growing popularity.
With her latest century, Mandhana not only matched Mithali Raj but also set another record meant to be beaten by those who would come after her. Her journey thus far has seen her continue to shatter ceilings and set new standards, one which should make every Indian cricketer proud as well as inspire other aspirants from all other parts of the world.
These back-to-back centuries by Smriti Mandhana are more than just numbers on a scorecard, they are a declaration that India Women’s cricket is ready for world domination in every way possible.
