Smriti Mandhana storms into record books with blistering century in India's 304-run vs Ireland in 3rd ODI

The Indian women's cricket team witnessed a historic moment on January 15 as star batter and stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana achieved a historic feat. Mandhana registered the fastest century by an Indian woman cricketer in ODI history during the third and final ODI against Ireland at Rajkot.

Mandhana took just 70 balls to bring her century, surpassing the previous record held by her regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Kaur had previously set the record for the fastest century by an Indian woman cricketer in ODIs with a 87-ball hundred against South Africa last year.

Mandhana's innings was truly spectacular, as she ended up racking 135 runs from a mere 80 deliveries. This explosive innings was decorated by 12 boundaries and an impressive seven sixes, showcasing her incredible power and timing.

Mandhana's contribution to the team's success was instrumental. She formed a formidable opening partnership with Pratika Rawal, accumulating a record-breaking 231 runs for the first wicket. Rawal too sizzled with the bat with a mammoth 154-run knock. This exceptional partnership propelled India to a historic team total of 435 for 5 wickets, setting a new record for the highest ODI score by any Indian team, surpassing the previous record held by both men's and women's teams.

It was Mandhana's 10th ODI century which makes her the first-ever Asian batter, both male and female, to reach this landmark in ODIs. Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu follows closely with nine centuries.

Mandhana's achievement places her among a distinguished group of elite women's cricketers. Australia's Meg Lanning leads this elite group with 15 centuries, followed by New Zealand's Suzie Bates with 13 centuries, and England's Tammy Beaumont with 10 centuries.