India’s Left-Handed Luminary and Queen of Clutch
Smriti Mandhana once again proved her mettle in high-stakes matches by scoring her 11th ODI century in the Women’s Tri-Nation Series final against Sri Lanka on May 11, 2025. Her 116 off 101 balls, including 15 fours and 2 sixes, not only led India to a commanding position but also elevated her to third on the all-time list for most centuries in Women’s ODIs.
This performance adds to her impressive record in finals, having scored 60 off 47 in the Asia Cup final in July 2024 and 46 off 45 in the Asian Games final in September 2023.
A Record-Breaking Year
Mandhana’s 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary. She became the first female cricketer to score four ODI centuries in a single year and was the top run-scorer in ODIs for 2024, surpassing prominent players like Laura Wolvaardt and Tammy Beaumont. Her tally included 747 runs with four centuries, highlighting her consistency and dominance in the format.
In T20Is, she amassed 763 runs, the most by any player in a single year, and recorded eight half-centuries, the highest by an Indian in a calendar year.
Accolades and Honors
Mandhana’s stellar performances earned her the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award in January 2025, recognizing her four centuries and three half-centuries in 13 matches at an average of 57.46.
She was also named the Best International Women’s Cricketer at the BCCI Awards 2025 for the third time, underscoring her sustained excellence.
Further cementing her legacy, Mandhana was honored as the Leading Women’s Cricketer in the World by Wisden in April 2025, acknowledging her five centuries in 2024 and her leadership in guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first Women’s Premier League title.
Beyond the Boundary
Mandhana’s influence extends beyond her on-field exploits. She co-founded the ‘City Cricket Academy By Smriti Mandhana’ in Dubai, aiming to nurture young talent and promote women’s cricket globally.
At just 28, Smriti Mandhana has already etched her name among cricket’s greats. Her blend of elegance, power, and composure under pressure continues to inspire a new generation of cricketers, solidifying her status as a true icon of the sport.
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