India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana brought up a magnificent century in a must-win match against New Zealand at the DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, to keep India’s semifinal hopes alive in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
Mandhana reached her hundred off just 88 balls, featuring 10 fours and 3 sixes, with a strike rate of 113.64. Her innings has been a blend of timing, placement, and aggression — reflecting her return to form after a slow start to the tournament.
Having scored fifties against Australia and England in her previous two outings, Mandhana has now converted her momentum into a commanding ton, leading India to 192/0 in 30.5 overs alongside Pratika Rawal, who remains solid on 77 off 98 balls.
The duo’s partnership — now worth 192 runs — has completely dominated the New Zealand bowling attack, setting the platform for a massive total.
This knock marks Mandhana’s seventh century in Women’s ODIs and her first of the 2025 World Cup, further strengthening her reputation as India’s most dependable batter in crunch situations.
India, eyeing a big total, will look to capitalize on this foundation as Mandhana continues to anchor the innings with elegance and authority.
