As India gears up for its fourth home World Cup, all eyes will be on star opener Smriti Mandhana. She has been in excellent form, leading the charge at the top of the order. Alongside Pratika Rawal, Smriti forms a key opening partnership that is central to India’s batting strategy and hopes of winning their first ODI World Cup.
The 2025 World Cup will mark Smriti’s third ODI World Cup appearance, after representing India in the 2017 and 2022 tournaments.
Smriti Mandhana’s ODI World Cup Record
Here’s a look at Smriti Mandhana’s numbers at ODI World Cups so far:
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Innings: 16
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Runs: 559
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Average: 37.26
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Strike Rate: 84.06
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Highest Score: 123 (119) vs West Indies, Hamilton (2022)
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50s: 3
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100s: 2
Her standout innings came in Hamilton during the 2022 World Cup against the West Indies, where she made a memorable 123 off 119 balls.
The Iconic 123 Against West Indies
Smriti’s most unforgettable World Cup performance came in Hamilton, 2022. After India won the toss and chose to bat, she steadied the innings when early wickets fell. She then shared a massive 184-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur for the fifth wicket.
In a masterful display, Smriti Mandhana smashed 13 fours and two sixes, dominating the West Indies bowlers. She reached her century with a pulled shot off Hayley Matthews after being dropped on 94. India went on to post a strong 317 for 8 and cruised to a 155-run victory.
Smriti Mandhana continues to be the heartbeat of India’s batting, and fans will be hoping she produces more such magic in the 2025 World Cup.
World Record Beckons Smriti Mandhana in Women’s World Cup
Smriti Mandhana is on the brink of creating history in women’s cricket. The 29-year-old already has 13 centuries in ODIs, and now she’s eyeing the world record. At the top of the list is Australia’s Meg Lanning, who retired with 15 centuries to her name.
Smriti Mandhana needs just three more hundreds to go past her, and with at least seven, maybe even nine innings left in the tournament, the chance is very real. Considering her superb form that recently took her to the No. 1 spot in ICC ODI rankings, fans will be watching closely.
Currently, Smriti Mandhana is tied with New Zealand’s Suzie Bates for second place. Bates is still in the race, which means the battle for the record could heat up even more. Knowing Smriti’s determination, this challenge will likely drive her harder to get to the very top.
A Career Milestone Around the Corner
Beyond the record chase, Smriti Mandhana is also closing in on another massive personal milestone. She needs just 112 more runs to enter the elite 5000-run club in Women’s ODIs. Only four players have ever done this before. If she gets there, she’ll become the fifth overall and only the second Indian to achieve it. Mithali Raj was the first, and she still leads the charts with a remarkable 7805 runs.
India Still Searching for Their First Women’s World Cup
For all her brilliance, Smriti’s ultimate goal will be to help India win their maiden Women’s World Cup. India has come close twice but fallen short, losing the finals in 2005 and again in 2017. Smriti Mandhana played in that 2017 final against England but was dismissed for a duck, something she’ll no doubt want to turn around this time if India makes it all the way.
Australia, with seven titles from twelve editions, remains the firm favourite. They are also the defending champions and chasing an eighth crown. India, however, has the advantage of playing most of their matches at home, and that could be a big factor. November 2 is the date circled for the final. Will India finally lift the trophy? The stage is set, and Smriti’s bat could very well decide the answer.
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