Indian Cricketer  Smriti Mandhana has made her name in history books, becoming the first Asian woman cricketer to score 15 international centuries. Her match-winning knock came in the second ODI against Australia at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, where she smashed a breathtaking century in just 77 balls. The achievement is not just about numbers; it reflects Mandhana’s consistency, talent, and determination to lead Indian cricket into a new era. With the Women’s ODI World Cup around the corner, her form could prove to be India’s biggest weapon.

The Knock That Made History

In the second ODI, after missing out on the first game due to a run-out miscommunication with opener Pratika Rawal, Mandhana bounced back stronger. She played with intent, timing the ball beautifully and reaching her hundred in only 77 deliveries, decorated with 14 boundaries and 4 sixes. Interestingly, this wasn’t her fastest ton. Mandhana already holds that record with a 70-ball century against Ireland earlier this year. With this, she now owns the two fastest centuries in Indian women’s ODI history.

A Record-Breaking Feat

This century made Smriti Mandhana the first Asian woman cricketer to reach 15 international centuries (12 in ODIs, two in Tests, one in T20I), a milestone that cements her place in history. It also marked her as the second-fastest Indian to score an ODI hundred, a record where she still holds the top spot herself. With this feat, she stands joint-third with England’s Tammy Beaumont for the most centuries in women’s ODIs, while legends like Meg Lanning (15 centuries) and Suzie Bates (13 centuries) lead the chart. If her red-hot form continues, Mandhana could soon go on to become the world record holder for most ODI centuries in women’s cricket

More Than Just a Cricketer

Smriti’s journey resonates with millions of young girls in India who dream of holding a bat and wearing the Indian jersey. Growing up in Sangli, Maharashtra, she trained alongside her brother and faced societal hurdles that often discourage young women from pursuing sports. Yet, she stood firm. Her rise is not just a cricketing success story; it is a story of breaking stereotypes, inspiring the next generation, and proving that women athletes can be icons on the global stage. Every century she scores is not just about runs; it is about hope, belief, and inspiration for young aspirants across Asia.

Why This Record Matters

This milestone is more than just a statistic; it carries deep significance. For Indian cricket, it reflects the country’s growing dominance in the women’s game and highlights the immense potential of female cricketers to compete at the highest level. For Asian women in sports, Mandhana’s achievement as the first Asian woman to reach this landmark is symbolic of progress in a region where women athletes often struggle for recognition. And for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, her blazing form provides India with a major boost and raises hopes of finally bringing the coveted trophy home.

Eyes on the ODI World Cup

With the Women’s ODI World Cup around the corner, Mandhana’s form could be the defining factor for Team India. Her ability to give blazing starts at the top, anchor innings under pressure, and accelerate when required makes her one of the most dangerous batters in the world. If she continues her consistency, she might not just break records but also bring the World Cup home for India, something that would transform the landscape of women’s cricket in the country.

Smriti Mandhana’s 15th international century is more than a personal milestone; it’s a celebration of women’s cricket, Indian cricket, and Asian sports at large. She is not just chasing records; she is shaping history. As fans cheered her at Mullanpur, one thing became clear: Smriti Mandhana is no longer just a star; she is a symbol of hope and inspiration. And if her bat continues to roar, the world might soon witness the greatest chapter in Indian women’s cricket the day India lifts the World Cup with Mandhana leading from the front.