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India's star batter Smriti Mandhana continued her phenomenal form, scoring a magnificent century against South Africa in the second ODI on Wednesday, June 19 in Bengaluru. This achievement wasn't just another impressive knock as it etched her name in the history books. Mandhana's century tied the record for most ODI hundreds by an Indian woman, previously held solely by the legendary Mithali Raj, who struck seven. Mandhana had just broken the drought for her own international century in the first ODI, surpassing current captain Harmanpreet Kaur's record of five ODI hundreds.
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What makes Mandhana's feat even more remarkable is her efficiency. She achieved this milestone in just 127 fewer innings than Raj, suggesting she has the potential to shatter the record entirely in the future. Additionally, Mandhana became the first Indian woman cricketer to score two consecutive ODI centuries and the first Indian batter to achieve this feat in a bilateral ODI series. This century, reached in only 103 balls with 12 fours and a single six, further cements her position as a dominant force in women's cricket.
India's women's cricketers with most ODI centuries:
| Name | Century | Innings |
| Smriti Mandhana | 7 | 84 |
| Mithali Raj | 7 | 211 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 5 | 113 |
| Punam Raut | 3 | 73 |
| Thirush Kamini | 2 | 37 |
Smriti's record-breaking day wasn't over yet. Not only did she tie the record for most ODI centuries by an Indian, but she also surpassed her own personal best score in the format. Her previous high score of 135, remarkably also against South Africa in Kimberley back in 2017, was eclipsed by her phenomenal 136 in Bengaluru.
Unfortunately, her pursuit of an even bigger score was cut short when she attempted a big shot off pacer Nonkululeko Mlaba in the 32nd over.
Prior to her dismissal, Smriti had anchored the Indian innings. Opening alongside the young talent Shafali Verma, they put on a solid 38-run partnership. Dayalan Hemalata contributed 24 runs before departing in the 23rd over. However, it was the 171-run stand between Smriti and captain Harmanpreet Kaur for the third wicket that truly stole the show. This partnership became the highest-ever for any wicket against South Africa by an Indian pair.
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