Smriti Mandhana made her fourth ODI century of 2024 in India’s loss to Australia at the WACA. This outstanding accomplishment established a fresh all-time record for the highest number of centuries made in a calendar year in women’s ODIs, as reported by Wisden.
Mandhana’s performance occurred as India pursued 299, a goal established by Australia thanks to Annabel Sutherland’s 110 from 99 deliveries, with Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath also adding fifties. Even after her opening partner, Richa Ghosh, was dismissed early—bowled by Megan Schutt—Mandhana shone in an otherwise lackluster display by the Indian batting order.
After Harleen Deol was dismissed for 39 by Alana King, Mandhana stabilized the innings while wickets tumbled quickly around her. Harmanpreet Kaur scored merely 12 runs off 22 balls before getting out, and Jemimah Rodrigues added 16. The lower order collapsed, as Deepti Sharma, Minnu Mani, and Saima Thakor all got out for single-digit runs.
Mandhana accomplished her half-century in 50 balls during the 14th over, when India’s outlook appeared more promising with a run rate over five per over and only one wicket lost. She reached her century by guiding a delivery from King to short fine leg, achieving the milestone in 103 balls. Nonetheless, she was out just under two overs later for 105, triggering India’s downfall.
This century represents Mandhana’s fourth of the year, succeeding two back-to-back centuries against South Africa in June and one more against New Zealand in October. Her accomplishment of four centuries within one calendar year establishes a new benchmark in women’s ODIs, exceeding the former record of seven players who each achieved three centuries in a year.
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Mandhana’s outstanding performance in 2024 highlights her position as one of the top batters in women’s cricket, even with India’s challenges in the series versus Australia.
