After the conclusion of the third and final ODI against New Zealand women in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, opening batter of the India women’s team Smriti Mandhana surpassed the great Mithali Raj to take the mantle of most ODI centuries in history.
In her winning effort, Mandhana contributed a hundred runs off 122 balls helping India successfully chase down a target of 233 runs with six wickets remaining thereby winning the three-match ODI series 2-1. This was her eighth ODI century which helped her go past Mithali Raj to become India female cricketer with the most centuries in the history of 50 overs format.
Earlier, Raj had held the record herself having scored seven centuries in the entirety of her ODI career that comprised 232 matches. The sixth most is held by the present captain of the Indian side, Harmanpreet Kaur who possesses six ODI centuries, after which are Punam Raut who has three tons and Jaya Sharma who has scored two centuries.
The Indian unit was in a bit of a menace with both Shafali Varma and Yastika Bhatia back into the hut but Mandhana together with the captain Harmanpreet took the responsibility of the innings as the chase was completed and India won with a little over seven overs remaining.
Most ODI Centuries by an Indian Cricketer (Women)
Player Name Matches Centuries Best Score
Smriti Mandhana 88 8 136
Mithali Raj 23 2 7 125*
Harmanpreet Kaur 134 6 171*
Punam Raut 73 3 109*
Jaya Sharma 77 2 138*
Mandhana showcased her class with the bat as she stuck around till the very end with a composed knock against the New Zealand side coming off a defeat with the previous ODI in their possession.
She has also being an indispensable member in the present Indian set up and promises to be there for quite some time hoping to repeat the episode this time around with more records in her name.
The side will now take rest as they prepare themselves for a three-match ODI series against the Australian women side, starting from December 5 to December 11 as well.
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